Geranium dissectum L.

Family: Geraniaceae


Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)

none

Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)

cutleaf geranium

Primary Disseminule Type

seed (sometimes with some pericarp attached)

Description (diagnostics are in brown)

Fruit a schizocarp consisting of five segments (mericarps) that burst apart via elastic strips at maturity and release the one seed per mericarp. Style column ca. 10–18 mm long. Mericarp body 2–3 mm long, with short spreading bristles, opening ventrally to release the seed.

Seed ovoid, ± terete, 1.8–2.2 mm long x 1.2–1.6 mm wide. Surface prominently honeycombed with crosswalls light brown and interspaces dark reddish-brown (and pitted), shiny under magnification.

Hilar region subterminal, with a narrow whitish ridge running from a brownish circular to oblong protrusion on the side of the seed to a dark brown apical depression.

Embryo bent, endosperm lacking.

Similar Species

See Similar Species Comparison Chart for similar members of the Brassicaceae.

Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)

AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI