Palynology and Systematics of Cuphea (Lythraceae). Ii. Pollen Morphology and Infrageneric Classification

Present taxonomic studies in Cuphea (Lythraceae) reveal that a broad spectrum of biosystematic data is required for an understanding of evolutionary relationships among this large and complex group of species. As part of these studies pollen data have proven to be of greater pragmatic value than is frequently true for more stenopalynous taxa. A survey is made of pollen types in 160 species of Cuphea with special reference to specific taxonomic problems, and a summary presented of points at which pollen data can profitably contribute to taxonomic revision of the genus.