Pólenes

Pólenes, the plural of pólen, refers to the fine powdery substance produced by the anthers of seed-producing plants. This microscopic material is crucial for plant reproduction, carrying the male gametes necessary for fertilizing the ovules. Pollen grains vary significantly in size, shape, and surface texture, characteristics that are often used for plant identification. Their outer layer, the exine, is remarkably tough and can preserve fossilized pollen for millions of years, providing valuable insights into past climates and vegetation.

The dispersal of pollen is primarily achieved through wind (anemophily) or by animals, most notably insects (entomophily). Wind-pollinated plants typically produce vast quantities of light, dry pollen that is easily carried by air currents. In contrast, insect-pollinated flowers often produce smaller amounts of stickier or heavier pollen, sometimes with an oily coating, which adheres to the bodies of visiting pollinators. This pollen then gets transferred to the stigma of another flower of the same species, initiating the fertilization process. Beyond reproduction, pollen is also a source of nutrition for many insects and has been consumed by humans for centuries due to its perceived health benefits.