The study of pollen grains (the male reproductive cells of seeed plants) is a vital part of Kew's research activities. Microscopic differences magnified up to 50,000 times reveal a remarkable diversity of shape, size and structure. These differences are important diagnostic features which are used in plant identification and classification.
In order to study pollen our laboratory is equiped with optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Current research centres on a number of large tropical families of economic importance. In the Leguminosae, for example, ultra-thin sections of pollen walls have provided clues to unexpected relationships between genera and species which have considerable potential in breeding of crops and as drug plants. Investigations are focused on such families as Sapotaceae and Burseraceae (rainforast and savanna trees, some of which yield important timbers) and Labiatae (the mint family). Special attention is being given to Acanthaceae (the acanthus family), the flowers of which produce some of the most remarkably varied pollen grains known.
Studies of recent and fossil palm pollen assist our understanding of the evolution of the Palmae, while research on the Asclepiadaceae (the milkweed family) is helping to unravel the complex pollination strategies in the family. Conifers are a major focus of current research which will result in a handbook on their pollen morphology and ultrastructure.
The Palynology Unit is frequently called upon for advice on wide-ranging pollen-related topics including aerobiology, hayfever, pollen storage and viability, pollen in honey and beeswax, bee poisoning and bat forage.