Discrimination of pollen of New Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium agg.) and kanuka (Kunzea spp.) (Myrtaceae).

ABSTRACT: The very similar appearance of pollen of the New Zealand Myrtaceous taxa Leptospermum scoparium s.l. (mānuka) and Kunzea spp. (kānuka) has led palynologists to combine them in paleoecological and melissopalynological studies. This is unfortunate, as differentiation of these taxa would improve understanding of past ecological change and has potential to add value to the New Zealand honey industry, where mānuka honey attracts a premium price. Here, we examine in detail the pollen morphology of the 10 Kunzea species and a number of Leptospermum scoparium morphotypes collected from around New Zealand, using light microscopy, SEM, and Classifynder (an automated palynology system). Our results suggest that at a generic level the New Zealand Leptospermum and Kunzea pollen can be readily different

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9165797 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature