POLLEN MORPHOLOGY IN LOTEAE (LEGUMINOSAE) WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE GENUS LOTUS-L

Pollen morphology was used to clarify some taxonomic differences in the classification of the Loteae tribe and the genus Lotus. The analysis of palynological data by numerical techniques indicated a clear taxonomic separation of many higher categories. Subgenera Syrmatium, Simpeteria and Acmispon were determined to be most closely related, while subgenus Hosackia is separate. Old World Lotus was found to be stenopalynous while New World Lotus was eurypalynous, thereby separating the species into two phytogeographical regions. Various taxonomic treatments were examined and Old World Lotus appeared to be more clearly defined than the relationships between the North American taxa. This is supported by the results of the palynological study. Some taxa considered as Lotus sensu stricto may require classification into other genera. The results indicated affinities within or between taxa the subgeneric and specific level which should aid in selecting possible taxa combinations for purposes of plant breeding and molecular studies.