Palynological study of Jurinea (Asteraceae) and related genera from flora of Iran

摘要

In this study, we analyzed pollen characters of 25 Jurinea Cass. species and seven closely related genera from the flora of Iran using light and scanning electron microscopy. Principal component analysis as well as a cluster analysis performed using the quantitative characters of pollen. Pollen morphology clearly separates J. bungei, J. eriobasis, J. gedrosiaca and J. mobayenii from the remained species of Jurinea. Pollen peculiarities along with apparent morphological differences suggest three new sections or even genera for species currently classified within Jurinea. Pollen characters support the segregation of Jurinea from closely related genera. A dichotomous key has been provided for all taxa studied.