Dimorphism and Monomorphism in the Plumbaginaceae

A survey of pollen- and stigma-dimorphism and monomorphism in the genus Limonium (as understood at present) reveals considerable heterogeneity which is useful for the solution of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and phytogeographic problems. Two main pollen types (A and B) and two main stigma types (cob and papillate) occur in the genus. Capitate stigmata also occur. ‘Type A’ pollen has frequently been found in conjunction with ‘papillate’ stigmata as a secondarily monomorphic (self-compatible) combination and this must have arisen at least four times in the genus as well as in Armeria. ‘Type B’ pollen and ‘cob’ stigmata are recorded together for the first time (also as a secondarily monomorphic, self-compatible combination) in L. echioides. Apomixis, already discovered in subsections Densiflorae and Dissitiflorae, has been found in L. cosyrense of the subsection Steirocladae. The taxonomic and phylogenetic significance of the facts in discussed.