Pollen morphological diversity in selected species of Persicaria Mill. (Family; Polygonaceae)

Fifteen species of the genus Persicaria Mill. were subjected to palynological studies using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Aperture number and exine sculpturing were found to be most reliable characters for the distinction of investigated taxa. On the basis of aperture number two main types of pollen were distinguished viz; tricolpate Capitata type and pantoporate Persicaria type. Each main type was further subdivided into three subtypes based on exine ultrastructure. On the basis of qualitative and quantitative characters identification keys for species, main pollen types and subtypes were prepared.