| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section/ASPT Dorey, Jenna [1]. Systematics of the Carex laxiflora complex (Cyperaceae). Carex section Laxiflorae is rife with difficult species complexes that perpetuate taxonomic controversy, one of the most problematic being the C. laxiflora complex. Plants in the C. laxiflora complex grow in the understory of dry to mesic deciduous and mixed hardwood forests throughout eastern North America. The complex is most commonly treated as two species — C. laxiflora and C. striatula — with C. laxiflora tending towards shorter perigynia and staminate spikes, and wider leaves on vegetative shoots. However, the taxa are difficult to distinguish due to apparent high phenotypic plasticity within species and overlapping measurements for diagnostic characters. These challenging taxonomic problems are further exacerbated by confusing and conflicting historical circumscriptions. My goals are to 1) determine the number and ranks of taxa in the complex, 2) identify new diagnostic characters, 3) improve identification keys, and 4) reconstruct the phylogeny of the complex, through an integrative morphometric and molecular approach. Here, I present initial results of univariate and multivariate statistical analyses of morphologic data of the C. laxiflora complex and discuss ongoing work to revise Carex section Laxiflorae.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
Keywords:
Carex
Carex section Laxiflorae.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 50
Location: Salon 10/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 2:45 PM
Number: 50006
Abstract ID:1059
Candidate for Awards:None |
