Pollen Morphology and Taxonomy in Malesian Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae)

Abstract

Pollen morphology in 89 of 127 Malesian Phyllanthus species (Phyllanthaceae) was investigated. Thirty-four pollen types are recognized. They are grouped into five pollen classes. These pollen classes are I. Colporate pollen, II. Incomplete synaperturate pollen, III. Synaperturate pollen, IV. Clypeate pollen, and V. Porate pollen. A key for the pollen classes and types is provided. Evolutionary trends in pollen morphology and infrageneric classification in Phyllanthus are discussed.