Achene macro-micromorphology of Pulicaria (Asteraceae) from Turkiye and its taxonomic significance.

The genus Pulicaria Gaertn. belongs to the tribe Inuleae Cass. and it is represented by six species P. arabica (L.) Cass., P. armena Boiss. & Kotschy ex Boiss., P. dysenterica (L.) Gaertn., P. odora (L.) Rchb., P. sicula (L.) Moris, and P. vulgaris Gaertn. in Turkiye. P. armena is endemic to the country. In this study, fruit macro-micromorphological characteristics of six Pulicaria species from Turkiye were demonstrated using stereo-microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The colors of the achenes range from light-brown to brown. The shapes are obovate to elliptic in outline. The pappus is persistent in all studied species, with two rows of pappus hairs except in P. sicula. Its pappus composed of one row of capillary bristles. Others have the outer row developing into a small crown and the inner row consisting of capillary bristles. All taxa have glandular trichomes, except for P. arabica. An identification key is also provided to differentiate between Pulicaria species. Fruit features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Achene macro-micromorphology of Pulicaria species was studied via LM and SEM. A diagnostic key based on achene features was created for Pulicaria species. Achene features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species.