Pollen morphology of the Goodeniaceae and comparisons with related families

Abstract

Palynological data obtained by LM, SEM and TEM support a division of the Goodeniaceae into three groups. The Lechenaultia group has rhomboidal tetrads with pores, interconnected columellae, and lacks a foot layer. The Anthotium‐Dampiera group has tricolporate, rugulate grains with a thin infratectum and rounded ora. The Scaevola‐Goodenia group, finally, comprises the remaining genera in the family and is characterized by tricolporate, microspinulose grains with distally branched columellae and lalongate ora. Within the latter group, Brunonia stands somewhat apart, having ridges and depressions along the colpi. The Scaevola‐Goodenia group shows some similarity to members of the Asteraceae, and particularly, to the Calyceraceae. The other two groups are morphologically isolated, both having a number of rare or unique palynological features.