Micromorphological traits of seed stratification for optimizing biodiversity conservation.

This study investigates the relationship between seed morphological traits and dimensions to adapt to arid environments, focusing on microlevel seed structures. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, we visualized complex seed features and explored their role in enhancing plant adaptability to dry climates, shedding light on crucial mechanisms underlying seed germination and survival strategies in water‐limited ecosystems. Seed morphotypes refer to the physical attributes of seeds, such as size, shape, color, texture, and structure. Fifteen species belonging to ten plant families were examined to investigate seed micromorphological features. Each species exhibits unique seed traits adapted for survival in harsh conditions. Features such as seed size, shape, texture, and surface ornamentation varied significantly among species, reflecting adaptations to optimize seed dispersal, germination, and resilience to arid climates. Seed shape, color, and texture were observed under scanning electron and stereomicroscopes. Micromorphological ultrastructural information has proven useful in determining plant evolution, classification, and ecology. Seed shape varied from elliptic, oblong, ovate, pyramidal to spherical. Surface stratification varied from rugulate, striate reticulate, foveolate, granular to rugose. The seed size varied among species, from very small in Cleome arabica (L = 1.4 mm and W = 0.7 mm) to very large in Aerva (L = 5.1 mm and W = 2.6 mm). Seed color varied from brown, dark brown to black. The microstructural seed traits in arid environments provide valuable insights into plant adaptations to dry climates and have significant implications for crop breeding programs and ecological restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]