Abstract
Pollen morphology & pollen fertility estimation of three medicinal species belonging to genus Hypericum L. from flora of Kaghan valley, Northern Pakistan was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy for the first time. The species are Hypericum elodeoides Choisy in, Hypericum oblongifolium Choisy, and Hypericum perforatum L. Pollen morphological characteristics with considerable variation are provided for these taxa. Among the studied taxa, the pollen grains were 3-4 colporate type and the largest pollen size was found in H. oblongifolium in polar view 23.0 μm and in equatorial view was 25.35 μm. The smallest pollen was of H. elodeoides in polar view which was 19.91 μm and in equatorial view was observed 12.53 μm in H. perforatum. The shape of the all pollen grain was circular to semi-angular in polar view, however in equatorial view the shape of the grains was oblate-spheroidal, in H. elodeoides, and H. oblongifolium while prolate in H. perforatum. Exine sculpturing was observed by scanning electron microscopy which showed foveolate sculpturing in H. elodeoides, reticulate in H. oblongifolium and scabrate in H. perforatum. Pollen fertility estimation ranged from 82.66% to 90.90% which shows that flora of selected species is well established.
Highlights
Pollen morphology & pollen fertility estimation of three medicinal species belonging to genus Hypericum L. from flora of Kaghan valley, Northern Pakistan was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy for the first time
In the present study pollen examination of selected Hypericum taxa was conducted from Pakistan for the first time
In equatorial view the pollen grains were oblate-spherioidal in H. elodeoides and H. oblongifolium but prolate H. perforatum (Figure 2(b), Figure 2(d) and Figure 2(f))
Summary
The flowering plant genus; Hypericum L. is one of the 100 large angiosperm genera and the largest genus of nine genera of the family Hypericaceae with about. Hypericaceae belongs to order Malpighiales and contains well-known medicinally valuable species [2] [4]. The most well-known species of the genus Hypericum is St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum which is economically important crop plant with antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial and antidepressant properties [7] [8]. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum which is economically important crop plant with antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial and antidepressant properties [7] [8] Flowers of this plant are known to use for relieving body pains and tea preparation in Kaghan Valley [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
