Variation in anther and pollen morphology in Leucaena Benth. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae)

Variation in anther and pollen morphology is described and illustrated for species of Leucaena and a selection of species from closely related genera. This is discussed in relation to the variation found in the closely related genera of the informal Leucaena, Dichrostachys and Xylia groups of the tribe Mimoseae. A number of characters for cladistic analysis are identified and putative homologies assessed. Preliminary taxonomic conclusions about the status and relationships of L. multicapitula are discussed. Mode of anther dehiscence is also described and illustrated. The observation of persistent intact tapetal membranes after anther dehiscence in some species of Leucaena is discussed in relation to pollen unit.