Seedcoat micromorphology of <i>Impatiens</i> (Balsaminaceae) from China

Seeds of 38 species of <i>Impatiens</i> mostly from south-western China were observed by scanning electron microscopy. High diversity was found in seedcoat micromorphology. Based on the structure and ornamentation of epidermal cells of the seedcoat, particularly the pattern of the arrangement of the cells and the degree of elevation of the anticlinal cell walls, four morphological types can be distinguished, viz, laevigate, granulate, reticulate and protrusive. The laevigate type and granulate type are unique, each occurring in only one species. The other two types are common and can be further divided into subdivisions according to the shape of the epidermal ornamentation of the seedcoat. Descriptions of seed size, shape and seedcoat types are summarized for the genus. Taxonomic and phylogenetic implications of the seedcoat micromorphology are also discussed, in comparison with the available gross morphological and molecular data.