Morphology of pollen grains of Weigela floribunda (Caprifoliaceae): application in taxonomy

Abstract

The aim of this research was to provide detailed quantitative and qualitative characteristics on pollen grains of Weigela floribunda (Siebold & Zucc.) K. Koch (Caprifoliaceae) as applied for taxonomy. Pollen morphology of W. floribunda was studied using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen grains are 3-porate, rarely 4-porate, suboblate to spheroidal (P/E=0.80–1.05); in equatorial view elliptic or circular, in polar view circular or subcircular; medium- or large-sized (P=42.56–61.18 µm, E=42.56–66.50 µm). Pores are circular with distinct or indistinct margins and distinct annuli. Exine sculpture is echinate-microechinate-nanoechinate. Pollen grains of W. flori- bunda were analyzed for the first time in the present study.