Pollen and trichome morphology of tribe Stachydeae (Lamiaceae) and its phylogenetic significance

Tribe Stachydeae with 12 genera were divided into two major clades: Melitis and Eurystachys clades consisting of all attributed to except Melittis. Recently, a broadly defined clade falling well-supported have been formally named in phylogenetic nomenclature. In the present study, trichomes 70 spp. from nine pollens 53 six investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) order draw taxonomic conclusion tribe Stachydeae. Trichome characters that can provide adequate variation delimitation taxa were: presence or absence glandular nonglandular trichomes, number cells (uni-/bi-/multicellular), extremely long (i.e. more than 1000 ?m), branched as well type (peltate capitate three subtypes: sessile subsessile, short-stalked stalked trichomes). Among characters, simple apomorphic found Eriostomum Marrubiastrum clades, respectively. addition, colpi, sculpturing shape lumina main features pollen grains afforded valuable especially several natural groups, i.e. clade, Empedoclea Sideritis Swainsoniana clade. Moreover, close relationship among annual each represents section, Hesiodia Burgsdorfia, is suggested by our results. However, both Stachys Olisia which are morphologically heterogeneous, shows mostly useful species discrimination. Overall, trichome be describing groups within along other reliable morphological characters.