Variability of Ephedra dahurica Turcz. Pollen as an Indicator of Humidity for the Modern Climate of Southeastern Transbaikalia

The study of herbarium materials of the Ephedra dahurica Turcz. collected in the Torey Lakes region in different years has revealed the morphological variability of its pollen grains. An inverse relationship has been established between the development of the number of pseudosulci and plicae (ridge) of pollen grains and the values of temperature and humidity during the growing season. During wet seasons, the plant produces pollen grains with few pseudosulci. The number of pseudosulci increases during dry and cool growing seasons.