| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Robart, Bruce [1], Barcelos, Erica [1], Wertz, Jeremy [2]. Morphometric Analysis of Pedicularis groenlandica and P. attollens. Pedicularis groenlandica Retz. and P. attollens A. Gray have a unique floral morphology that readily distinguishes them from other North American Pedicularis L. species. The upper two petals in all Pedicularis form a domed galea. In P. groenlandica and P. attollens, further development of the galea tip produces a long twisted rostrum resembling an elephant’s trunk, and in fact, the common names of the two species are Elephant’s Head and Elephant Snouts. The rostrum of P. groenlandica extends horizontally from the main axis of the flower, whereas the rostrum of P. attollens rises vertically above the galea and is much shorter than the rostrum of P. groenlandica. Each species is further divided into two infraspecific taxa: P. attollens ssp. protogyna Pennell and P. groenlandica var. surrecta (Benth.) A. Gray. Pennell described P. attollens ssp. protogyna as a “stouter” variant of P. attollens ssp. attollens, however, he did not clarify what he meant by “stouter”. The only described difference between P. groenlandica var. surrecta and P. groenlandica ssp. groenlandica is the longer length of the rostrum. To more fully elucidate morphological differences, we measured six foliar and three floral characteristics among more than 200 herbarium specimens representing the four taxa. Preliminary ordination analysis of correlation coefficients indicates that wider leaf lobes clearly discriminate P. attollens ssp. protogyna from P. attollens ssp. attollens, and therefore, we recommend maintaining P. attollens ssp. protogyna as a valid taxon. P. groenlandica var. surrecta, on the other hand, is indistinguishable from P. groenlandica ssp. groenlandica based upon the characteristics we measured, suggesting that it is not a recognizable taxon.
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1 - University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Biology, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15904
2 - University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Biology, 450 Schoolhouse Rd, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15904
Keywords:
Pedicularis
Morphometrics.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for BSA Sections
Session: P1
Location: Event Tent/Cliff Lodge
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: P1SP047
Abstract ID:728 |
