The identification and taxonomic significance of lophate pollen in the Compositae

Abstract

Lophate pollen occurs in many members of tribes Arctoteae, Lactuceae, Mutisieae, and Vernonieae of the Compositae. Fifteen distinct patterns of echinolophate pollen and eight of psilolophate pollen are described and illustrated by scanning electron microscopy. A key is provided that enables the 23 patterns to be recognised. The full potential of lophate pollen as a source of taxonomic characters can only be achieved when the pattern of lophae present has been determined. The simple distinction between lophate and nonlophate pollen is rarely informative. The widespread occurrence of lophate pollen is attributed to convergent evolution and related to functional aspects of the pollen.