The taxonomic value of pollen surface patterns in some Australian Epacris (Epacridaceae)

Abstract

Pollen grains of most known species of Epacris in Australia were examined by scanning electron microscopy. There is a range of pattems of surface ornamentation present, based upon which the species can be grouped into two broad classes: (l) "smooth", in which the tectum is essentially intact but pitted and rugulate to varying degrees; (2) "warted", in which the pollen is intectate with a range of surface processes generally >2µm. The patterns are useful at the interspecific level to delimit certain taxa with morphological overlap.