Pollen morphology of some Allium L. taxa (sect. Codonoprasum/Alliaceae) in Turkey

Abstract

The genus Allium L. is represented by about 196 taxa grouped under 14 sections in Turkey. The sect. Codonoprasum consists of 49, of which 21 are endemics. In this study pollen morphological features of 12 taxa belonging to Sect. Codonoprasum have been demonstrated using Wodehouse (1935) method and with Light Microscope (LM). Detailed pollen morphological characteristics of genus Allium are given on the basis of the results presented. The genus Allium is homogeneous in both aperture type and exine ornamentation. The pollen of the genus is monocolpate. The shapes (based on Long Axis / Short Axis) are prolate and subprolate. The colpus extends from distal to proximal side in all taxa. The colpus membrane is provided with a fragmented operculum in the sect. Codonoprasum