Pollen morphology of Broussonetia (Moraceae)

Abstract

The pollen of seven species of Broussonetia (including Section Allaeanthus) and one species of Malasia were examined with light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The pollen of all species is diporate with slightly annulate pores, and scabrate exine sculpturing. The pollen is small and all species have a columellate wall structure. The closely related genus Malasia is similar to Broussonetia. The similarity of the pollen in Section Broussonetia and Section Allaeanthus suggests that Allaeanthus be retained in the genus Broussonetia.