A Study on the Seed Morphology of the Genus Cassia L. sensu lato in the Sudan*

Abstract

Morphological characters of seeds from 23 Cassia L. sensu
lato species from Sudan were examined with the aid of Stereo
Microscope in order to clarify their taxonomic status. The seeds of all
members of the genus Senna (with the exception of S. bicapsularis) were
areolate, whereas the seeds of Cassia sensu stricto and Chamaecrista
species were not areolate and the shapes of the latter two genera were
ovate-elliptic and rhombic, respectively. The seeds are described, an
indented identification key is presented, and the unique taxonomic
position of S. bicapsularis is discussed. The results supported the division
of the genus Cassia L. sensu lato into three allied genera (Cassia sensu
stricto, Chamaecrista and Senna).