Seed Geometry in the Vitaceae.

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Morphology
• Plant Systematics

Background:

• The Vitaceae Juss. family comprises 16 genera and 950 species, primarily tropical lianas.
• Seed shape within Vitaceae is highly variable and has not been comprehensively classified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and classify seed shape in Vitaceae species using novel geometric models.
• To quantify seed shape variation within the family.

Main Methods:

• Development of new geometric models based on heart and water drop curves.
• Classification of Vitaceae seeds into ten groups based on similarity to geometric models.

Main Results:

• Ten seed shape groups were identified in Vitaceae.
• Three groups matched previously described models shared with Arecaceae (lenses, superellipses, elongated water drops).
• Seven new groups were defined, including general models and specific genus-based classifications (e.g., SqHC in Ampelocissus, ESHCs in Tetrastigma).

Conclusions:

• Geometric models provide a robust framework for describing and quantifying seed shape in Vitaceae.
• The classification system enhances taxonomic understanding and aids in identifying species within the family.