Taxonomic study in Argyreia Lour. (Convolvulaceae) in Thailand

Abstract

Taxonomic study of Argyreia Lour. In Thailand was carried out between May 2001 to February 2003, have been studied from the new collecting of fresh materials as well as from herbarium specimens deposited at the seven herbaria in Thailand, namely Professor Kasin Suvatabhandhu Herbarium (BCU), Bangkok Herbarium (BK), The Forest Herbarium (BKF), The Herbariu, Department of Biology Faculty of Science Chiang Mai University (CMU), The Herbarium, Department of Biology Faculty of Science Khon Kaen University (KKU), The Herbarium, Department of Biology Faculty of Science Prince of Songkhla University (PSU) and Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden Herbarium (QSBG). There were found 27 species and one variety. Descriptions, key to species, illustrations and photographs were prepared. Eight species are endemic to Thailand, two are new record species from Thailand, viz. Argyreia fulvocymosa C.Y. Wu var. fulvocymosa and Argyreia thorelii Gagnep., and 3 new species are expected. Pollen morphology of 21 species and one variety were also studied by light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The pollen is monad, radial symmetry, apolar. Aperture is polypantoporate. The shape of pollen grains is spheroidal. The pollen grain size is 83-118 microns. The exine is echinate. The palynological data do not provide good taxonomic investigation for species identification. As well as the photographs from light microscope and scanning electron microscope of pollens also have been added.