The comparative biology of the closely related Senecio nebrodensis and S. viscosus, a narrow endemic and a widespread ruderal

The closely related Senecio nebrodensis, a perennial herb from four mountain ranges in Spain, and S. viscosus, an annual herb widespread in Europe, are being compared by the study of herbarium material and comparative cultivation. In cultivation, S. nebrodensis behaved as an annual, completing its life cycle within a shorter period of time than S. viscosus. The formation of basal leaf rosettes is much more pronounced in S. nebrodensis than in S.viscosus. The main difference between the two species, however, is their breeding system. While S. nebrodensis is self-incompatible, S. viscosus is self-compatible. Differences in reproductive morphology (mainly size and number of ray florets) are su…