MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN SELECTED CITRUS SPECIES: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF SEED MORPHOLOGY AND FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS
Keywords:
Citrus species, Colour, Dispersal, Morphology, Seeds, VariationAbstract
Citrus species exhibit a wide range of morphological traits essential for taxonomy, genetic breeding, and germplasm conservation. This study assessed morphological variations in fruits and seeds of Citrus grandis, Citrus limon, and Citrus medica, focusing on colour differences and structural features. Fruit specimens were selected based on availability. Seed colour was analyzed using the Munsell Colour Chart. Ten seeds per species were evaluated and fruit structures were examined for the number of ridges and prominent lines. Colour variation in C. grandis ranged from White (8/2 2.5Y) to Yellowish Red (8/2 10YR); in C. medica from Yellowish Red (8/2 2.5YR) to Yellowish Red (8/2 10YR); and in C. limon, from Light Olive Brown (5/6 2.5Y) to White (8/2 2.5Y), showing a broader spectrum. Ridge and line counts varied significantly among species and within individuals. Qualitative colour analysis using the Munsell Chart proved to be a valuable complement to traditional morphological approaches. Results suggest that fruit and seed colouration are not only taxonomically significant but may also influence ecological interactions with dispersal agents.
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