Pollen Morphology of Egyptian Malvaceae: An Assessment of Taxonomic Value

Authors: SALAH M. EL NAGGAR

Abstract: The pollen morphological characteristics of 21 species of Egyptian Malvaceae belonging to 10 genera: Abelmoschus Medik., Hibiscus L., Gossypium L., Lagunaria L., Abutilon Mill., Sida L., Malva L., Lavatera L., Alcea L. and Malvaviscus Cav., were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollens were examined and described in each genus. The results demonstrated that pollen morphological characteristics, principally pollen shape, size, aperture characters and exine sculpture and structure, are taxonomically important. The pollen results are discussed with reference to current systematic treatments of Malvaceae.

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