• Applied Microscopy
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2013

The morphological features of pollen grains collected from the broad-leaved and cylindrical-leaved Portulaca species of the Hawaiian Islands were investigated. The variation in size and surface pattern were examined using scanning electron microscopy and statistical analysis. Pollens of the Portulaca were apolar grains of monads exhibiting apertures, colpi, and relatively thin echini. Of particular interest was the differing size of pollen grains among the species studied. Pollens of the broad-leaved Portulaca were considerable in size with a length of about $73{\sim}86{\mu}m$, while the cylindrical-leaved Portulaca tended to have smaller pollen grains ranging from 50~65 in diameter. The smallest pollens were found in cultivar 2 having an average of $43{\mu}m$. The pollen was intectate, and the exine surface appeared granulous, having sculptured elements of spinules and puncta. Two types of puncta were discerned; one forming an operculum, and the other, a simple perforation. Numerous spinules and small puncta were found throughout the cylindrical-leaved Portulaca. In the present study, morphological features of pollen grains from ten Hawaiian Portulaca species, including endemic and unknown taxa, revealed the aforementioned pattern of variation. This paper aim to provide morphological information that could be of phylogenetic value within the Hawaiian Portulaca.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.194-199
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• 2012

The anatomy and morphology of seeds from 10 Hawaiian Portulaca taxa were examined to explore patterns of variation among the taxa, and to evaluate their phylogenetic relationships. Features of seeds were assessed employing microtechnique procedures, statistical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Anatomically, the orientation of embryo was consistent across taxa, and all seeds examined had central nutritive tissue and integuments comprising the peripheral embryo. Seeds were generally small, circular to ovoid in shape, and either smooth or rough-surfaced, with tubercules. Variation in seed size was noted, although minimal within small seeded group. The size of seeds ranged from 0.50~1.26 mm in length, and 0.55~1.34 mm in width, with similar weights. Seeds were distinguished by the sculpture and arrangement of the testa epidermis and the way in which their stellulate-tessellate cells uniquely fit together. Using a multiple range test (ANOVA), two groups were established by seed characteristics. The SEM also demonstrated morphological differences in testa sculpturing. The results obtained confirm the usefulness of seed characteristics in the identification of the species examined, and furthermore, allow for the separation of the Hawaiian Portulaca into two groups.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.41-46
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• 2014

In this study, the vegetative and reproductive morphology and anatomy of two Hawaiian endemic Portulaca species were examined. Specifically, P. molokiniensis and P. sclerocarpa were compared to closely related species in the genus. The comparisons were both qualitative and quantitative, using characteristics of leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. Tissue organizations of vegetative and reproductive parts of the plants were assessed using microtechnique procedures, statistical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The most notable features of these two species were (1) the size and frequency of stomata in P. molokiniensis, and (2) the large number of sclerenchymatous cell layers in the thickest fruit walls of P. sclerocarpa. These findings may imply that stomata development in P. molokiniensis and thick fruit wall development in P. sclerocarpa are evolved features of survival. In particular, the development of thickened walls in indehiscent fruits likely has evolutionary implications of ecological tolerance for better adaptation.