1. The outer layer of the exine (the outer wall of a pollen grain or spore), characterized by a sculptured or ornamented surface.
Usage: technical; botany; palynology

Examples

• The ektexine of the pollen grain displays distinctive spines under the electron microscope.
• Palynologists examine the ektexine structure to classify plant species.
• The ektexine layer provides protection to the pollen during dispersal.
• Different plant families have characteristic ektexine patterns that aid in identification.