Pollen Morphology of Origanum vulgare subsp. viridulum (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

The Lamiaceae family is one of the most important plant families encompassing various species widely used by people for various purposes in their daily life. Origanum, with its diverse species commonly used for medicinal purposes, as well as as spices and teas, is one of the commercially significant genera within the Lamiaceae family. Origanum is primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere of the Old World, with 90% of its taxa located in the Mediterranean region. Turkey is an important center of the Origanum diversity with 21 species (24 taxa, 13 endemic) and 13 hybrids (12 endemic). The main aim of this study is to investigate the palynological features of Origanum vulgare subsp. viridulum in order to contribute to the systematic study of Origanum. Plant specimens have been collected from their natural distribution areas. Pollen preparations were made using the Woodehouse Method from mature pollen grains of the species. The pollen morphology of the taxa was studied in detail using light microscope and scanning electron microscope observations. According to the examinations, pollen grains are isopolar, hexacolpate; amb shape circular, pollen shape suboblate and exine ornamentation reticulate.