A Palynological Study of the Solaninae (Solanaceae)

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The pollen morphology of 30 species representing eleven closely related Solanaceous genera was investigated using standard palynological techniques, light microscopy, and computer statistical analysis. The genera studied were Athenaea Sendtn., Capsicum L., Chamaesaracha Gray, Nothocestrum Gray, Physalis L., Saracha Ruiz et Pav., Solanum L., Withania Panq., and Witheringia L'Herit. of the subtribe Solaninae and Acnistus Schott. and Lycium L. of the subtribe Lyciinae. The pollen of many of these taxa have not been studied in detail previously and have been reported to be morphologically similar. Comprehensive examination of the combined qualitative and quantitative data established a basis for palynological separation of most of the genera and some of the species. A diagnostic generic key, pollenmorphological descriptions of the genera, photomicrographs, and statistical analyses of the taxa in the “Solaninae complex” are presented.