Abstract Detail

Pteridological Section/AFS

Cook, Kelsey [1], Hickey, R. James [2].

Morphological variation in the New World Pseudolycopodiella caroliniana species complex.

Pseudolycopodiella is a small genus in the Lycopodiaceae. The type species of the genus, P. caroliniana, as it was historically understood, is widespread. It has been said to occur in wet, open habitats in the New World tropics, eastern United States, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. The group has been variously broken into segregate species, subspecies, and/or varieties. Most work has been regional in nature, and species limits within the group remain poorly defined. A morphological study of herbarium specimens of Pseudolycopodiella from throughout its range in the New World, from New York to Uruguay, was undertaken to better understand variation within the group. Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, including measurements of leaf and spore dimensions, revealed six distinct subgroups. These are recognized as species. Pseudolycopodiella caroliniana in its strict sense is limited to eastern North America. We discuss the distinguishing features and geographic distributions of the putative taxa.

1 - Miami University, Department Of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
2 - Miami University, Biology, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA

Keywords:
Lycopodiaceae
taxonomy
morphology.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 10
Location: Salon 20/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 10005
Abstract ID:1233
Candidate for Awards:Edgar T. Wherry award