Distribution, chromosome numbers and nomenclature conspect of Arabidopsis halleri (Brassicaceae) in the Carpathians

Abstract

Arabidopsis halleri represents an important model species for the study of phytoremediation. In the Carpathians it is represented by three subspecies: A. halleri subsp. halleri, A. halleri subsp. tatrica and A. halleri subsp. dacica. All three subspecies are diploid with chromosome number 2n = 16. They differ mainly in indument of flower parts, colour of petals and in the position of the longest leaf on stem. A. halleri subsp. halleri occurs in the Eastern and Southern Carpathians and in the northern and eastern part of the Western Carpathians, subsp. tatrica is endemic of the Western Carpathians and subsp. dacica occurs in the Eastern and Southern Carpathians most probably extending in its distribution further to the south to the Balkan mountains. Full synonymy of these three taxa and also a fourth European subspecies, A. halleri subsp. ovirensis is presented including the information on type specimens. Lectotypes are selected for several names. List of the examined herbarium specimens is given as well.