Pollen morphology in the genus Arum L. (Araceae) in Italy - Morfologia pollinica del genere Arum L. (Araceae) in Italia

The pollen grains of the Italian species of Arum (A. alpinum Schott & Kotschy, A. apulum (Carano) Boyce, A. cylindraceum Gasp., A. italicum Miller, A. lucanum Cavara & Grande, A. maculatum L., A. pictum L. fil.) have a very similar morphology; they are spherical, inaperturate, echinate. However, the grains of A. pictum are easily recognisable because of their dimensions and spine morphology. The size of the grains allows to separate the pollen of A. italicum from that of A. pictum and A. lucanum. The size ranges of the other species presented large overlaps. On the basis of general morphology, the pollen of A. alpinum and A. lucanum, which often are included in A. cylindraceum, appear particularly similar.