Macro and micromorphological studies and numerical analysis on the nutlet of some Cyperoideae-Cyperaceae taxa from Egypt and their taxonomic significances

Nutlets of 13 taxa of subfamily Cyperoideae (Cyperaceae) from Egypt were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopes to ascertain the taxonomic utility of the nutlet in corroborating and elaborating on distinctions between closely related genera and species. The studied taxa included representatives of tribes Fuireneae, Cypereae, Cariceae, Abildgaardieae and Schoeneae. Nutlet shape, size, color, surface, epidermal cell shape, anticlinal boundaries, outer periclinal cell wall and relief of outer cell walls were provided. It was found that the epidermis has useful microscopic characters to help in the taxonomic assessment of Cyperoideae.