Acts as component of the GARP complex that is involved in retrograde transport from early and late endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). The GARP complex facilitates tethering as well as SNARE complex assembly at the Golgi (By similarity). Required for pollen tube elongation and other polar growth. Component of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, composed by VPS52, VPS53 and VPS54. Interacts directly with VPS53. Binds to VPS51 (PubMed:24757006). Localized in the GARP complex in the Golgi and post-Golgi compartments. Mostly expressed in roots and flower buds, and, at low levels, in seeds, whole inflorescence and mature flowers. Also detected in pollen. Present in pollen, buds, leaves, and roots (at protein level). In seedlings, expressed in the root apex, mostly in the elongation zone and emerging lateral root primordia, in very young leaves and stipules. In flowers, detected from the earliest stages of flower development, before meiosis and gametogenesis and maintained later. As flower bud size reaches 1.6 to 1.7 mm, confined to male gametophytic tissues and female sporophytic tissues, including ovules. At maturity, accumulates in pollen grains within the anthers. At later postpollination stages, expressed in developing seeds. Accumulates in intracellular compartments in both sporophytic and gametophytic tissues (at protein level). Lethal when homozygous. In hemizygous plants, male gametophytic mutants characterized by very short pollen tubes. Male-specific transmission defect. Belongs to the VPS52 family. Truncated N-terminus.