Abstract: Seed macromorphology and seed-coat micromorphology of 11 species of Kadsura (Schisandraceae) represented by 36 samples were observed under light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The seeds are reniform, ellipsoid, cordiform or reniform-oblate in shape. Under SEM the surface pattern of the seeds shows some variation among the species and three types have been observed, i.e. (1) Nearly Smooth, (2) Areolate and (3) Reticulate. In the type 1, the seed surface is nearly smooth. This type was found to occur in two species, viz. K. borneensis and K. lanceolata. In the type 2, the seed surface is areolate with prominent lumina and sunken muri. This type was found to occur in K. coccinea and K. verrucosa. In the type 3, the seed surface is reticulate with sunken lumina and prominent muri. This type is the commonest in the genus, occurring in seven species, viz. K. heteroclita, K. induta, K. japonica, K. oblongifolia, K. angustifolia, K. scandens and K. marmorata. Seed-coat micromorphological features seem to be quite constant within species and thus are of significant value in the delimitation of some species. Evidence from seed-coat micromorphological features supports the treatment of reducing K. polysperma and K. interior to K. heteroclita and of reducing K. longipedunculata to K. japonica. Brief speculation on the evolutionary trend of the seed-coat micromorphological features in thegenus Kadsura is discussed.

Key words: Kadsura Juss., Seed morphology, Seed-coat micromorphology, Taxonomy