Light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology and the
ultrastructure of the pollen grains of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Light microscopic examination revealed that the
pollen grain is tri- or tetrazonocoplate, approximately as long as broad measuring 29-μm. Scanning electron
microscopic observation showed that surface sculpture is scarbate-granulate. Ultrathin sections as examined by
transmission electron microscope showed that the pollen contained numerous starch grains, liped drops, endoplasmic
reticulum and vesicles of dicotysomes. Two layers of pollen wall were also distinguished; the outer wall (exine
divided into ektexine and enexine as well as an inner layer (intine). The nutritive values of Withania pollen were
discussed. The importance of studying the ultrastructure of pollen grains as a new tool in plant taxonomy was also
discussed.