Spikelet morphology of Cyperaceae and its taxonomic implication

Patmah Zahrah Musa

Abstract

A morphological study of 13 species of sedge (Cyperaceae) was conducted in selected areas of Perak. The research objective was to determine the diagnostic morphological characters of spikelet that could be used for species identification. Samples were collected from three different ecological areas including open areas, wetlands, and limestone representing northern, middle and southern parts of Perak. A taxonomic key for the species based on spikelet characters was successfully constructed. The diagnostic characters of spikelet structure were proven to be taxonomically significant and hence confirmed useful for species identification, and supported previous classifications. Keywords cyperaceae, spikelet, morphology, taxonomic key

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