Pollen morphology of Pseudanthus (Picrodendraceae)

• Published in: Review of palaeobotany and palynology Vol. 344; p. 105426
• Main Authors: Till, Angelika, Ulrich, Silvia, Cantrill, David J., Grímsson, Friðgeir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2026
• Subjects: Australia; Echinate; Light microscopy; Malpighiales; Pantoporate; Scanning electron microscopy; Pantoporate; Scanning electron microscopy; Light microscopy; Australia; Malpighiales; Echinate
• ISSN: 0034-6667
• DOI: 10.1016/j.revpalbo.2025.105426

This is the first comprehensive investigation on the pollen morphology of Pseudanthus, a small genus within the Picrodendraceae, comprising nine species all endemic to Australia. This study presents the pollen morphology of eight out of the nine currently accepted Pseudanthus species using light and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen from five of the species (incl. subspecies) are described here for the first time. Pollen from different Pseudanthus species appears alike, sharing many overlapping features, including sculpture patterns observed with both LM and SEM. However, detailed examination reveals species-specific differences such as size and aperture number, that aid in discriminating pollen of the individual species. In general, Picrodendraceae pollen is mostly isodiametric to oblate, spherical to spheroidal in shape, and either exhibits a pantoporate or stephanoporate aperture configuration, as well as echinate sculpture. Although, Pseudanthus pollen shares these morphological features, being isodiametric to slightly oblate, pantoporate, and echinate, the pollen of this genus can be differentiated from other closely related Picrodendraceae (Kairothamnus, Micrantheum, Neoroepera, Scagea, and Stachystemon) based on set of traits observed with combined LM and SEM. [Display omitted] •The first comprehensive study of Pseudanthus pollen with combined LM and SEM.•Complete genus coverage is provided including first-time description of five species.•Pseudanthus pollen is pantoporate, echinate, and 14 to17 μm in diameter.•Diagnostic pollen traits aid in distinguishing Pseudanthus from other Picrodendraceae.•Species-specific differences assist in discriminating individual Pseudanthus species.