Les graines du genre Digitalis (Scrophulariacea)

Seeds of most species in the genus Digitalis were studied by scanning electron microscopy, with particular reference to the micromorphology of the cells of the outer layer of the seed coat as well as seed size and weight. Four types of seeds, corresponding to four of the five recognized sections of the genus (Digitalis, Macranthae, Tubiflorae, and Frutescens), were distinguishable. The fifth section, Globiflorae, shows some affinities with Tubiflorae and Frutescens. The taxonomical importance of these seeds is discussed as are similarities between groupings of seeds and phylogeny in this genus.