Variation of seed morphology of Trollius europaeus L. and Trollius altissimus Crantz (Ranunculaceae)

Wojciech Antkowiak,Małgorzata Klimko,Irmina Maciejewska-Rutkowska,Andrzej M Jagodziński,Dariusz Kayzer

doi:10.5586/asbp.2010.016

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate seed morphology and intra- and inter-population variation of seeds of Trollius europaeus L. and Trollius altissimus Crantz., two controversial species regarding their taxonomical position. We analyzed seed-coat microsculpture and some biometrical traits (length and width, width/length ratio, volume and projected perimeter). Seed sculpture did not differ between species, but seeds of T. altissimus were usually larger than seeds of T. europaeus. Although species differed significantly in seed morphology, it was possible to show the populations of both species that were similar regarding the analyzed seed traits. We noted a significant inter-population differentiation of seeds in both species with respect to seed-coat microornamentation and biometrical traits. We conclude that T. europaeus and T. altissimus are probably not two distinct species, but T. europaeus should be divided into two lower taxa in the rank of variety or subspecies.

Highlights

Trollius L. (Ranunculaceae) consists of arctic-alpine perennial herbs, native to the cool, temperate regions of the northern hemisphere
As with other Trollius species, it is characterized by substantial morphological variation, especially in its foliage and generative organs, even within a given population (Doroszewska 1974)
We believe that only two varieties of this species should be recognized, T. europaeus var. europaeus and T. europaeus var

Summary

Introduction

Trollius L. (Ranunculaceae) (globeflower) consists of arctic-alpine perennial herbs, native to the cool, temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. The greatest diversity of Trollius species has been noted in Asia, especially within southern China (Després et al 2003). They usually grow in moist meadows and in heavy and clay soils. Among three European species of this genus, T. europaeus L. has the widest distributional range. It occupies extensive areas of northern and central lowland areas of Europe, having large and generally continuously distributed populations. As with other Trollius species, it is characterized by substantial morphological variation, especially in its foliage and generative organs, even within a given population (Doroszewska 1974). We believe that only two varieties of this species should be recognized, T. europaeus var. europaeus (grows within the whole range of species in Europe) and T. europaeus var

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