Pollen characterization of ornamental species of Mammillaria Haw. (Cactaceae/Cactoideae)

Abstract

The pollen morphology of thirteen species of Cactaceae was studied: M. backebergiana F.G. Buchenau, M. decipiens Scheidw, M. elongata DC, M. gracilis Pfeiff., M. hahniana Werderm., M. marksiana Krainz, M. matudae Bravo, M. nejapensis R.T. Craig & E.Y. Dawson, M. nivosa Link ex Pfeiff., M. plumosa F.A.C. Weber, M. prolifera (Mill.) Haw, M. spinosissima var. “A Peak” Lem. and M. voburnensis Scheer. All analysed pollen grains are monads, with radial symmetry, medium size (M. gracilis, M. marksiana, M. prolifera, large), tricolpates (dimorphs in M. plumosa [3-6 colpus] and M. prolifera [3-6 colpus]), with circular-subcircular amb (quadrangular in M. prolifera and M. plumosa with six colpus). The pollen grains presented differences in relation to the shape and exine thickness. The exine was microechinate and microperforated. The pollen morphological data are unpublished and will aid in studies that use pollen samples. These pollen grains indicate ornamental cacti.