POLLEN FLORA OF PAKISTAN–LXXII. ERICACEAE

Abstract

Pollen morphology of three genera representing 5 species of the family Ericaceae from Pakistan has been examined by light and scanning electron microscope. Pollen grains usually tetrads, radially symmetrical, isopolar, mostly prolatespheroidal, olate-spheroidal rarely spheroidal, trizonocolporate, sexine thicker or thinner than nexine. Tectal surface mostly rugulate with viscin threads or aerolate-scabrate or subpsilate-reticulate. On the basis of size and tectum types 3 distinct pollen types are recognized, viz., Cassiope fastigiata-type and Rhododendron lepidotum-type and Rhododendron hypenanthum-type.