Abstract
An attempt has been made to clarify the genetic relationships of Liatris spicata, L. pycnostachya, and L. aspera, using hybridization experiments, transplant studies, and related biosystematic techniques. The species represent three different series within the genus, but are morphologically rather closely related, and are sympatric in at least five U. S. states of the Mississippi Valley. The species are homoploid, with n = 10. Two ecological races are recognized within each species, and a high degree of inter fertility exists between races and species, with the exception of ruderal races of L. pycnostachya and L. aspera. Further hybridization experiments involved the additional species punctata, cylindracea, and scariosa. The latter species shows a high degree of genetic isolation from the others. Liatris spicata, pycnostachya, aspera, punctata, and cylindracea should be termed ecotypes: they appear to be elements of a larger diploid complex (ecospecies) composed of at least these five taxonomic species.
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