Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The systematics of autopolyploidy in Epilobium latifolium (Onagraceae)

  • Published:
Brittonia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Diploid (2n = 36) plants ofEpilobium latifolium L. have been found in Alaska and the western Cordillera of North America, and tetraploids in Iceland, western Greenland, and southeastern Quebec. Study of the morphology of these chromosome races revealed a character, the number of pores in the pollen grains, by which they could be distinguished with an average probability of 75%. Tetraploids ofE. latifolium tend to have high percentages of 4-pored pollen, while the diploids usually have only 3-pored pollen. On this basis, the ranges of the races were extrapolated from herbarium material. Detailed comparisons of eight other features of the presumptive diploids and tetraploids showed no significant difference between them. The races appear to form worldwide, allopatric, ecogeographic phases. A high level (57.4%) of quadrivalent formation observed during tetraploid meiosis, and other considerations, indicate that the tetraploids arose by autopolyploidy. The recommendation is made that the races not be given formal taxonomic recognition.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  • Böcher, T. W. 1962. A cytological and morphological study of the species hybridChamaenerion angustifolium X C. latifolium. Bot. Tidssk.58: 1–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, P. H. &V. H. Heywood. 1965. Principles of Angiosperm Taxonomy. London: Oliver & Boyd. xvi + 558 pp. (Second printing.)

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, V. 1957. The plant species in theory and practice. pp. 39–80.In: Mayr, E. (Editor). The Species Problem. Publ. 50, A.A.A.S., Washington, D. C.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haussknecht, C. 1884. Monographie der GattungEpilobium. Jena. viii + 318 pp.

  • Hecht, A. 1942. Colchicine-induced tetraploidy inOenothera. Proc. Indiana Acad. Sci.51: 87–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein, W. M. 1964. A biosystematic study of four species ofOenothera subgenusAnogra. Thesis: Ph.D. Claremont Graduate School, Claremont, California. vi + 191 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knuth, P. 1908. Handbook of Flower Pollination. Vol. 2. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press. viii + 703 pp. (Translated by J. R. Ainsworth Davis.)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kurabayashi, M., H. Lewis, &P. H. Raven. 1962. A comparative study of mitosis in the Onagraceae. Amer. Jour. Bot.49: 1003–1026.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Löve, A. &Doris Löve. 1949. The geobotanical significance of polyploidy. I. Polyploidy and latitude. Portugaliae Acta Biol. Ser. A. (R. B. Goldschmidt Vol.)1949: 273–352.

    Google Scholar 

  • —. 1961. Chromosome numbers of Central and Northwest European plant species. Opera Bot.5: 1–581.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayr, E. 1963. Animal Species and Evolution. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Belknap Press. xiv + 797 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Michaelis, P. 1926. über den Einfluss der KÄlte auf die Reduktionsteilung vonEpilobium Planta1: 569–582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • —. 1954. Cytoplasmic inheritance inEpilobium and its theoretical significance. Advances in Genetics6: 287–401.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mosquin, T. 1966a. A new taxonomy forEpilobium angustifolium L. (Onagraceae). Brittonia18: 167–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • —. 1966b. Toward a more useful taxonomy for chromosomal races. Brittonia18: 203–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • -. 1967. Evidence for autopolyploidy inEpilobium angustifolium L. (Onagraceae). Evolution (In press.)

  • —. 1966. Chromosome numbers and taxonomy of some Canadian arctic plants. Canadian Jour. Bot.44: 1209–1218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munz, P. A. 1965. Onagraceae.In: North Amer. Flora II. Part5: 1–231.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pugsley, H. C. 1960. Interesting hybrid willow-herbs. Bull. Hardy Plant Soc.2(5): 102–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raven, P. H. 1962. The genusEpilobium in the Himalayan region. Bull. British Mus. (Nat. Hist.) Bot.2(12): 325–382.

    Google Scholar 

  • Small, E. 1966. Chromosomal and morphological variation inEpilobium latifolium L. Master’s Thesis: Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. xi + 75 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vasek, F. C. 1956. Induced aneuploidy inClarkia unguiculata (Onagraceae). Amer. Jour. Bot.43: 366–371.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Botanical Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles

    Ernest Small

Authors
  1. Ernest Small
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Based in part on a thesis submitted as partial requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Small, E. The systematics of autopolyploidy in Epilobium latifolium (Onagraceae). Brittonia 20, 169–181 (1968). https://doi.org/10.2307/2805620

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2805620

Keywords

Search

Navigation