| Summary: | Menziesip, a widespread genus of shrubs, occurs in
temperate montane regions of North Zmerica (2 species) and
Japan (8 species). Although this disjunct distribution is
shared by numerous vascular plant genera, few have been
examined biosystematically within and among the floristic
regions. In western North rnerica, N. ferrupinea is a highly
variable species and apparently is related closely to
Appalachian N. pilosa, based on flavonoid analyses. In this
study, univariate and multivariate analyses of 22
morphological descriptors revealed discontinuous and clinal
variation along west-east and north-south gradients in N.
ferrupinea, allowing recognition of two phases. Using the
same procedures, N. pilosa proved to be comparatively
uniform. Variation was partitioned largely within rather than
among populations, with morphological patterns spatially
correlated on a regional scale. Past and present migrational
events and, to a lesser degree, ecological variables have
contributed to clinal development. Analyses also were made
using starch gel electrophoresis with 13 enzyme systems coding
for 19 loci. Isozyme variation resided predominantly within
rather than among populations, with lower than expected total
genetic diversity. Levels of allozyme variation within
populations were comparable to other xenogamous, entomophilous
species.[more abstract] === Science, Faculty of === Botany, Department of === Graduate
|
|---|
