Achene macro- and micromorphology and pericarp anatomy are described in four Polish species of Anemone (A. narcissiflora, A. nemorosa, A. ranunculoides, A. sylvestris). Biometric analysis showed that achene size varies greatly in all the studied species and is of limited diagnostic value. Three types of sculpture connected with the character of the indumentum were distinguished. The presence or absence of stomata on the achene style and the character of the hair base differentiated A. nemorosa and A. ranunculoides, which have the same type of pericarp ornamentation. The endocarp (number of layers and outline of its cells) was shown to be useful in the systematics of Anemone

The achene morphology and pericarp anatomy of 12 taxa representing three genera ( Anemone, Hepatica, and Pulsatilla) of the subtribe Anemoninae were investigated using microtome and light microscopy to evaluate the taxonomic implications of achene characters. The achenes of Anemone were elliptical or obovoid and beaked, whereas the achene of Hepatica and Pulsatilla were obovoid and elliptical, respectively. Noticeable variations in both quantitative and qualitative features of achenes were observed among the species of the three genera. One-way analysis of variance indicated that the quantitative achene variables among the species were highly significant (P<0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient also showed a significant correlation between different achene variables. The pericarp structure, particularly the number of cell layers and cell forms in the exocarp and endocarp, seems to be very useful for species delimitation in Anemone and Hepatica. The nature of the endotesta could provide substantial proof for sub-generic classification in Anemone. Unweighted paired group analysis showed the utility of achene features for taxonomic groupings of the species within the studied genera. Although the specimen samples represented a limited range of taxa, the achene features and pericarp anatomy provided a reasonable source for the taxonomic treatment of the studied genera within the subtribe.