Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Comparative palyno-taxonomic studies of three Bauhinia species through scanning electron microscope
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Research Articles | Published: 21 March, 2025
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Keywords: Angiosperm, Fabaceae, Identification, Kachnar, Ornamental
Abstract
This study examines the comparative morphological, palynological, and pollen fertility of Bauhinia purpurea L., Bauhinia variegata L., and their hybrid Bauhinia blakeana Dunn from Chandigarh, India. These species are useful in medicinal preparation for human healthcare. The research highlights the challenges in accurate identification due to similarities in flowers and leaves, as well as overlapping flowering and fruiting periods. The morphological features of bark, leaves, buds, flowers, fruits, seeds etc. were analysed through detailed microscopy and photographic records. Pollen characteristics, including pollen unit, polar and equatorial axis (µm), P/E ratio, shape, symmetry, size (µm), type and position of aperture, polarity, colpi shape, length, thickness (µm) and exine ornamentation were examined with digital and scanning electron microscopes. The unique morphological and palynological variations along with pollen fertility have enhanced the understanding of the species under investigation. The information gathered during the present study may be useful to compare other species of Bauhinia.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India