Abstract
The inter- and intraspecific variability of Cichorium intybus L. was examined to evaluate potential morphological and molecular diagnostic character states. Two diagnostic and one overlapping morphological character clearly delimit the two species C. intybus and C. spinosum. All applied molecular methods (ITS, AFLP, Microsatellites) failed to significantly discriminate between these accepted species. As the morphological traits are fixed and heritable, criteria for species delimitation are fulfilled. These traits, however, are apparently due to mutations of a few crucial loci affecting the morphological diagnostic character states. Intraspecific variability within C. intybus revealed to be highly influenced by plastic response to local environmental factors and subspecific delimitation cannot be supported.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gemeinholzer, B., Bachmann, K. Examining morphological and molecular diagnostic character states of Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae) and C. spinosum L.. Plant Syst. Evol. 253, 105–123 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-004-0272-6
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-004-0272-6