Acer (Aceraceae)


Acer saccharinum
U Conn Plant Database


Acer
A.M. Solomon


Acer grandidentatum
Martin & Drew

Plant:
Aceraceae includes two genera (Dipteronia & Acer) and about 120 species. Leaves are opposite, usually simple with palmate venation, (pinnately compound in Acer negundo); usually deciduous; often with brilliant fall foliage; fruit a double samara. Univ Vermont Dendrology

Pollen light micrograph:
Prolate, tricolpate, striate - rugulate. 25 - 35 µm. Recognized by it's distinct, simple furrows.

Pollen scanning electron micrograph (SEM)
Striae clearly visible in SEM may be subtle in light microscopy.

Production and Dispersal:
Moderately well distributed, moderate production.

Preservation:
Poorly preserved due to thin wall.

Fossil Occurrence:
Foliage and fruits common in Tertiary sediments, Acer pollen is present in the Oligocene Florissant Flora (Tsuchdy & Scott, 1969; p. 362) and in the John Day, Ore., Fossil Beds
    Tsuchdy, R.H. and Scott, R.A. 1969.
    Aspects of palynology. Wiley Interscience.
References:
    Biesboer, D.D. 1975.
    Pollen morpholgy of the Aceraceae. Grana Palynologica 15: 19-27

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Owen Davis 8/00