Pollen Morphology and Taxonomy in the Loganiaceae

Abstract

The Loganiaceae is a heterogeneous, eurypalynous family with colpate, colporate or porate pollen grains (Erdtman 1952). Some years ago Dr. Leeuwenberg, specialist in the taxonomy of African Loganiaceae, asked the senior author to undertake an investigation of the pollen grains of that family. Unfortunately that was impossible at the time because of other commitments. Later, however, a possibility presented itself for carrying out the investigation in connection with a sojourn at the Palynological Laboratory at Solna. I am much indebted to Professor Erdtman for the invitation to work at this Laboratory, for his approval of the subject, and for many discussions on pollen morphology. I am also much indebted to Dr.Leeuwenberg, Wageningen, and Dr. Leenhouts, Leiden for interesting, carefully determined plant material and for kind advice in taxonomic problems. I also want to express my thanks to all those in the Solna Laboratory, who kindly helped me in various ways during my visit. My work was supported by a grant from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to the Palynological Laboratory.