Achene micromorphological features of 12 species representing Polygonum L. s. str. and Polygonella Michx. have been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Achenes are mostly trigonous but rarely lenticular, and three types (e.g., smooth, papillose, reticulate) of surface patterns were recognized. Surface pattern is papillose (in most studied taxa) or smooth (P. molliaeforme) in Polygonum sect. Polygonum; smooth in P. sect. Tephis; smooth/partially papillose, or reticulate in P. sect. Duravia; smooth and partially papillose type in both subgenera (subg. Thysanella, subg. Polygonella) of the genus Polygonella. The taxonomic significance of achene micromorphological features in identification and relationship between the studied taxa is discussed, the key is given. In addition, the ecological adaptation of achene morphology is also briefly discussed.
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