Pollen characteristics of New Zealand Gnaphalieae (Compositae) and their taxonomic significance II. Tem

Abstract

Pollen ultrastructure has been investigated in 35 taxa of Gnaphalieae (Compositae), predominantly from New Zealand. Pollen grains of all taxa examined are tectate‐columellate and caveate. The characters regarded as particularly distinctive include variability of columellar form and internal organisation of the columellae. The importance of pollen characters in the classification of the New Zealand Gnaphalieae is discussed. The species of Haastia, characterised by senecioid pollen and internal tecta, do not belong to the Gnaphalieae. In the species with helianthoid pollen and sub‐columellae five different columellae types can be distinguished.