Morphological features of plants and their importance in taxonomic characterization of the plants.

1. Role of morphology in plant
classification
Tridip Boruah
Assistant Professor
Department of Botany
M.C College, Barpeta

2.  Morphology is the foundation and
framework for Taxonomy
Why?
• The morphological characters are easily
observable.
• No need of sophisticated laboratory
arrangements
• Available well-knit terminology
• Less time and effort needed

3. External morphological characters provide
majority of the evidences used in the
construction of classification system
Floral characters, in general, have been
preferred over vegetative characters.
Why?
Vegetative characters are often environmentally
controlled. Structure, size and shape of leaves may
be extremely variable within a genus or even within a
species.

4. Classification based on vegetative characters
1) Growth habit (Herbs/Shrubs/Tree)
2) Growth pattern
3) Leaf Characters ( structure, size and
shape, arrangement, venation)
4) Underground parts
5) Seedling Characters (type of germination,
cotyledonary characters, leaf
dimorphism)
6) Plant pubescence

5. Classification based on reproductive characters
1) Inflorescence and flower
 Type and position of inflorescence
 Types of androecium and stamens,
gynoecium and carpels
 Types of ovules
 Floral symmetry, the number, size, shape
and union of floral leaves in each whorl

6. 2) Fruit Characteristics
Fruit characters have been used to
distinguish different families of
Rhoeadales.
3) Seed Characters
number, colour, shape and sculpturing
of the seed is an important feature of plant
classifications

7. Microscopic Morphology