Microscopic Investigation on the Morphology of Pollen Grains of Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis and Bougainvillea spp.
Part I. Establishing the Research Territory (Slides 1–5)
A. Importance of Pollen Morphology Studies (Slide 1)
Every plant tells a story. But sometimes, that story isn’t written in leaves or petals; it’s
written in the smallest, most delicate details... pollen grains.
These tiny structures carry life itself, and within them lies the hidden identity of every
flowering plant.
Today, I’ll be sharing my study entitled “Microscopic Investigation on the Morphology of
Pollen Grains of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Bougainvillea spp.”
B. Relevance of Palynology in Plant Science (Slides 2–3)
When we think of flowers, we often notice their color, their beauty, their form. But rarely do
we think about what makes them truly alive.
Pollen, the tiny dust that carries the male gametes, is what continues the life cycle of these
plants.
Each pollen grain acts as a carrier of life. It holds the male gametes responsible for
fertilization, a crucial step in ensuring the next generation of plants.
But beyond that biological role, pollen tells a deeper story about classification,
relationships, and evolution.
C. Importance of Gumamela and Bougainvillea (Slides 4–5)
Every pollen grain is different in size, in shape, and in texture. These differences are like
nature’s code, allowing us to identify and understand how plants are related to each other.
This is where palynology comes in, the science that allows us to see both what’s visible and
what’s invisible to the naked eye.
Through palynology, we uncover the fine details of plant life that we would otherwise never
notice.
Part II. Establishing the Niche (Slides 6–9)
A. Limited Studies on Morphological and Micromorphological Characters (Slides 6–7)
In this study, I focused on two familiar ornamentals: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, or gumamela,
and Bougainvillea spp.
They’re everywhere around us in gardens, schools, and parks, yet their pollen structures
remain understudied, especially here in the Philippines.
While many studies focus on crops and wild species, ornamentals are often overlooked.
There are a few existing works on hibiscus, but almost none on bougainvillea, particularly in
local research.
That’s the missing piece this study aims to fill.
B. Advances in Microscopy and Imaging (Slide 8)
With modern microscopes, we can now see pollen grains more clearly than ever before. We
can capture every ridge, every spine, every fine detail, and transform what was once
invisible into something measurable and meaningful.
C. Importance of Comprehensive Characterization (Slide 9)
By combining both morphological traits such as size, shape, and aperture type, with
micromorphological traits like exine ornamentation, we create a complete profile of each
pollen grain.
This combined method has proven effective in distinguishing between hibiscus hybrids and
bougainvillea varieties.
D. Availability of Plant Materials and Practicality (Slide 9 continuation)
And since these plants are abundant and easy to collect, they make practical materials for
research and education alike.
Part III. Highlighting the Research Gap (Slides 10–12)
A. Limited Local Records (Slide 10)
Still, much remains unknown. For Bougainvillea, descriptions exist, but variation across
cultivars hasn’t been fully explored. And that’s where this study comes in.
B. Absence of Integrated Data (Slide 11)
Through microscopic imaging and measurement, this research documented both the
morphological and micromorphological features of gumamela and bougainvillea pollen.
The results will serve as a baseline reference for taxonomy, horticultural breeding, and
botanical education.
C. Potential Contribution to Plant Identification and Education (Slide 12)
Even the smallest structures can hold the greatest value. By uncovering the hidden details of
gumamela and bougainvillea pollen, the very grains that carry life itself, we bridge the gap
between beauty and science, between the seen and the unseen.
Because sometimes, the most ordinary plants can leave the most extraordinary mark on
science.
