Pollen grain surfaces from 39 samples of 19 genera and 30 species were examined by scanning electron microscopy, in order to elucidate the development of pollen grain morphologies in this family. It was possible to recognize the Ficus, Cecropia and Dorstenia pollen groups. Ali other examined genera belong to the same pollen group, with several sub-groups, based upon variation in the number and arrangement of surface spinules or scabrae. Only through correlation of surface aspects with exine textures may one ascertain the affínities of this group of species
