Micromorphological differences between some European and American <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fraxinus</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oleaceae</Emphasis>) species

Micromorphological differences in leaves and pollen between two American (Fraxinus americana L., F. pennsylvanica Marshall) and two European (F. angustifolia Vahl, F. excelsior L.) ash species were studied using scanning electron microscope. The types, dimensions and distribution of characteristic trichomes were established and measured. Capitate hairs on the leaves had the same shape in all researched ash species. Acicular hairs were regularly present in two American ash species, but very rarely in the glabrous phase of F. angustifolia and F. excelsior. Only F. americana had coronulate abaxial surface of leaves. Pollen of F. angustifolia and F. excelsior had 3 (tricolpate) apertures, and F. americana and F. pennsylvanica 4 (stephanocolpate) apertures. Based on the appearance of the reticulum it’s possible to clearly distinguish all four species. F. angustifolia and F. pennsylvanica had muri with transversal ridges and seldom granules. Muri of F. excelsior and F. americana had slightly visible transversal ridges, and because of that noticeable granules.