Phenetic analysis of Datura section Dutra (Solanaceae) in Mexico

Abstract

Abstract Phenetic analysis of morphological characters of taxa in the section Dutra of the genusDatura from native populations on mainland Mexico supported the recognition of seven species D. discolor, D. inoxia, D. kymatocarpa, D. lanosa, D. metel, D. pruinosa, and D. reburra. These taxa aggregated into three large groups which shared similar anther length, seed surface texture, fruit dehiscence, corolla length, calyx lobe length, stamen length and leaf length. Based on the similarity of morphological characters, it is probable that the domesticated D. metel was derived from wild D. inoxia in southern Mexico.