Palynological characteristics of Jasione species native to Turkey

Pollen grains of seven Jasione (Campanulaceae) taxa from Turkey were investigated: J. heldreichii Boiss & Orph., J. idaea Stoj., J. montana L., J. supina subsp. supina, J. supina subsp. pontica, J. supina subsp. akmanii, and J. supina subsp. tmolea. Four of the investigated taxa were in the VU (vulnerable) category and one is in the LC (least concern) category (categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature). The basic shape of the pollen grains was prolate-spheroidal and oblate-spheroidal; the apertures vary from triporate- to tetra-porate. The sculpturing pattern of exine was microechinate. Two types were recognised according to the pollen shape. Type I is prolate-spheroidal, whereas Type II is oblate-spheroidal. This research will be helpful to explain the relationships among the genera of Campanulaceae and provides insights for future phylogenetic research.