Pollen morphology of Euphorbiaceae species occurring in the Caatinga

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  • The Euphorbiaceae family is the second most representative in the Caatinga biome. It presents a great taxonomic complexity, which requires the observation of other characters to support the identification of its taxa, such as pollen morphology. This study aims to describe the pollen morphology of Euphorbiaceae species occurring in the Serra Branca/Raso da Catarina Environmental Protection Area, Jeremoabo, Bahia, Brazil. The pollen material was obtained from exsiccates deposited in the Herbarium of the State University of Bahia, Campus VIII, Paulo Afonso, Bahia. The pollen grains were subjected to acetolysis, measured, described and photomicrographed under optical microscope; they were also metallized and observed under scanning electron microscopy. In total, 17 species were studied, with nine pollen descriptions unpublished. The species analyzed presented pollen grains that varied from small to very large, inaperturate, 2-3-porate, 3-colporate to pantoporate, with psilate and reticulate exine, and most of them with a Croton pattern. The characteristics found in this study are important for palynological knowledge, as well as assisting palynotaxonomic studies of the Euphorbiaceae family and providing a basis for future ecological and conservation research for Caatinga plants.