On the terminology, origins and functions of caveate pollen in compositae

Abstract

The terminology applied to caveate pollen in the Compositae is reviewed. The term cavea (plural: caveae) is recommended in preference to cavus, the plural of which should be cavi although this has not been used in the literature. Caveae are interpreted as being potentially present in all Compositae since all the members of the family studied possess them during their early developmental stages. In some taxa the caveae are well developed in the mature pollen and function primarily as harmomegathia whilst in others the caveae are obscured by the later development of columellae which limit or prevent the harmomegathic function.