Integrating morpho pollinic traits for systematic classification of rubiaceous species and conservation implications

This study described the systematic classification of Rubiaceous species by investigating morpho pollinic traits, providing a comprehensive analysis of their diversity and relationships. The implications of this taxonomic approach extend to conservation efforts, offering valuable insights for the preservation and sustainable management. This research aimed to explored palynological attributes of selected Rubiaceous species from the diverse phytogeographic regions of Pakistan. A total of 14 species categorized into five genera of Rubiaceae (Galium species, Hamelia Himalrandia, Plocama and Rubia) were analyzed using light and scanning microscopy techniques to observed both qualitative and quantitative parameters. The qualitative traits; pollen shape and diameter, polar to equatorial distance ratio, and exine sculpturing shows significant variability. The pollen aperture of predominant type were Stephanocolpate-8 and Stephanocolpate-6 and pollen shapes were lobate and circular. The average, minimum, maximum, and standard error statistics of quantitative pollen measurements were calculated using SPSS 16.0 software. The polar axis diameter was observed maximum for Plocama rosea (28.75 μm) and minimum for Rubia cordifolia (15.75 μm). Exine stratification was examined showing taxonomic diversity aids to Rubiaceous species identification. The exine peculiarities were observed; scabrate micro-echinate, micro-echinate foveolate, scabrate echinate, scabrate punctate, rugulate scabrate, scabrate psilate, micro-echinate, and rugulate reticulate. Exine thickness was noted highest for Galium spurium (3.35 μm) and lowest for Rubia infundibularis (1.1.5 μm). The integration of palyno-morphological features proves to be a powerful tool for refining the systematic classification of Rubiaceous species, enhancing our understanding of their evolutionary relationships. The conservation implications underscore the importance of incorporating detailed palyno-taxonomic insights for the preservation of ecologically significant Rubiaceous species.