Palynomorphological study of Dianthus petraeus waldst. et kit. (Caryophyllaceae)

• Published in: Archives of biological sciences Vol. 67; no. 3; pp. 973 - 980
• Main Authors: Macukanovic-Jocic, Marina, Jaric, Snezana, Mladenovic, Mica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Belgrade, University of Novi Sad 2015
• Subjects: Dianthus; endemic; light microscopy; pollen morphology; SEM
• ISSN: 0354-4664; 1821-4339
• DOI: 10.2298/ABS150116060M

The pollen morphology of Dianthus petraeus (Caryophyllaceae), which is
endemic to the Balkans, has been examined by both light and scanning electron
microscopy in order to provide taxonomically valuable characters that might
be used in the classification of the Caryophyllaceae, as well as to
contribute to the pollen atlas of Serbian apiflora. The pollen grains of D.
petraeus are radially symmetrical, apolar, spheroidal and medium-sized. The
mean of the pollen diameter is 45.5?1.4 ?m. The sculpturing pattern of exine
is microechinate-microperforate, and the tectum is covered with minute echini
averaging 0.8?0.1 ?m in length, more or less evenly distributed between the
perforations. The microechini average number per sample area of 5 ?m x 5 ?m
is 3.2?0.6. In view of the number, position and type of the apertures, the
grains are polypantoporate, with about 13 operculate pores, averaging 6.4?0.7
?m in diameter. Each operculum is covered with 4-6 conical spinules, which
are longer than those on the exine surface. The mean interporal distance is
13.3?1.3 ?m. The obtained palynological results provide information that
contribute towards a better understanding of the taxonomic status of D.
petraeus.