title: Identification of seven Zingiberaceous species based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of seeds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The fruits and seeds of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. & Smith, Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep., Amomum subulatum Roxb., Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton from Alpinia, Amomum, and Elettaria genera in the Zingiberaceae family are difficult to distinguish between each other. This study aims to identify the seeds of these seven species from Zingiberaceae family based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared the morphological structures of seed coats by observing the microscopic characteristics of seeds in transverse sections. We described the macroscopic characteristics of seeds in detail.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The seeds of these three genera could not be identified to the species level based on their macroscopic features. However, based on the anatomical features of the seed coat observed in transverse sections, a dichotomous key for these seven species was feasible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seven species in the Zingiberaceae family could be identified based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of transverse section of seed.
authors.forename: Meng-Hua
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Jockey Club SCM Building, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China. zyffzw@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Zhong-Zhen
authors.initials: ZZ
authors.lastname: Zhao