Abstract
Polymorphism with respect to size and structural characteristics occurs in pollen grains of several species. Pollen grains of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmans & Link. from three different areas of Greece were collected, and their palynological characteristics were measured. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, a quantification of pollen polymorphism of T. capitatus was achieved by measuring the size and the characteristics of exine sculpture. The measurements were repeated during 3 successive years, and statistical analyses with one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test were applied. Results revealed differences in the exine pattern between the locations; also, three palynological characteristics (surface, perimeter, and equatorial diameter) differed statistically. The results clearly indicate that pollen grains of T. capitatus are polymorphic between the sampling areas. The polymorphism has been related to environmental parameters and mainly with water availability. Average rainfall seems to be the main factor contributing to the morphological variation of pollen grains by affecting their size and exine sculpture.
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