Seeds of the mountain: Investigating micromorphology and its impact on ecological sustainability

Seed to soil contact is critical for successful germination and establishment. The seed coat micromorphology is a stable trait that has contributed significant information to the phylogenetic classification of angiosperms. Seed morphology refers to the physical characteristics of seeds, such as their size, shape, color, texture, and structure. The characteristics can vary greatly among different plant species and can provide important information about the plants' life cycle, ecological requirements, and evolutionary history. The aim of this work was to describe the 34 species representing 23 botanical families that were collected to study the micromorphological features of seeds from Khaplu and Skardu mountainous area. Seed shape, color, and texture were observed under a light and scanning microscope and stereo microscope. Micromorphological and ultrastructural data have proved useful in determining seed plant evolution, classification, ecology, and phylogeny. Seed shapes varied from elliptic, oblong, ovate, pyramidal, and spherical. Surface sculpturing varied from rugulate, negative reticulate, reticulate, foveolate, granular and striated. The seed size varied enormously from very minute Matricaria chamomilla 0.33 mm × 0.06 mm to very large seed Elaeagnus angustifolia 13.76 mm × 4.70 mm. Epicuticular projections, anticlinal wall, periclinal wall, wall ornamentation, and seed texture were also studied under scanning electron microscopy. Most of the seed colors were brown and black except Carthamus tinctorius which exhibits creamy white color. A principal component analysis was used to identify the most outliers in seed micromorphology and provide a significant explanation. A taxonomic key based on micromorphological features has been constructed to assist botanists in identifying species and genera, and to support the conservation of seed bank resources.