Pollen morphology of the tribe dalbergieae (Papilionaceae) from South India

Pollen is the most vital unit of the angiosperm flower, both with regard to form and function, and represents an essential genetic bridge between one generation and the next (Erdtman, 1952; Nair, 1970). Pollen morphology has therefore been recognised as a dependable tool for tackling taxonomic problems and for elucidating systematic relationships, phylogeny and evolution of related plant groups. Pollen morphology of 9 species belonging to 4 genera of the tribe from South India has been studied using LM and/or SEM. Pollen of all the taxa were colporate and exine ornamentation patterns noticed were psilate or faintly foveolate. The taxonomic treatment of the tribe is analysed in the light of palynological data.