6533b7cefe1ef96bd1256f09

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Variation in the Senecio aethnensis group (Asteraceae) along an altitudinal gradient

Silvio FiciRosa Maria Lo Presti

subject

AltitudebiologySenecio aethnensisGroup (stratigraphy)BotanyMorphological analysisMorphological variationPlant ScienceAsteraceaeSeneciobiology.organism_classificationTransectEcology Evolution Behavior and Systematics

description

ABSTRACT The variability of the Senecio aethnensis group was investigated through morphometric analyses of seven populations along an altitudinal transect on Mt. Etna (E Sicily). The data obtained show a separation into two groups, one including the populations of the upper and middle belts, at and above 1700 m, the other including the populations from lower altitudes. In the first group a clinal morphological variation in several reproductive and vegetative characters was observed in relation to altitude. The analysis of leaf characters in progeny cultivated under uniform conditions confirmed the differentiation into the two groups, which are to be treated as separate species, i.e. S. aethnensis Jan, split in two varieties, and S. siculus All.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2003-01-01Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology
https://doi.org/10.1080/11263500312331351551