Abstract

In this study, the pollen morphology and exine structure of six taxa of the genus SmyrniumL. (Umbelliferae) were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eight micromorphological characters (pollen shape, apocolpium, mesocolpium, polar length, equatorial width, exine thickness, colpus length and colpus width) of pollen grains of Smyrnium have been identified. The palynological observations revealed that pollen grains of all studied taxa of Smyrnium were prolate in shape and posses tricolporate aperture. Tectal surface sculpture was not a good criterion to identify particular taxa from Smyrnium. The pollen of which is characterized by rugulate, the pollen ornamentation was similar in all studied taxa. In addition the taxa could be included in sub-rectangular pollen type as classified by Cerceau – Larrival.

Key words: Smyrnium, Umbelliferae, pollen, scanning electron microscopy.