Pollen Morphology of Thai species ofBauhinia(Caesalpiniaceae)

Abstract

35 species of Bauhinia all occurring in Thailand have been studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. 15 pollen types based on sexine structure have been established. A correlation between pollen types and geographical distribution has been observed. On the basis of gross morphology there seems to be no reason for splitting up the genus into several smaller genera as proposed by some authors; however, raising the pollen types to taxonomic sections may be considered in a future revision. One new combination and one new name have been established: B. bassacensis Pierre ex Gagnep. var. bakeri (de Wit) S. S. Larsen comb. nov. and B. bakeriana S S. Larsen nom. nov.