Abstract

PLANCHUELO, A. M.  and  CARRERAS, M. E.. Evaluation of morphological diversity in Crotalaria incana L. (Fabaceae, Faboideae), a native forage legume. Agriscientia [online]. 2011, vol.28, n.1, pp.39-49. ISSN 1668-298X.

Crotalaria incana L. is subtropical forage legume. Morphological studies reveled that the population growing in Cordoba is similar to C. megaponamica Burkart, endemic of Entre Rios. Fifty eight herbarium specimens considered as operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were studied. Fifty eight morphological characters were analyzed using statistical techniques and 17 characters were used for cluster and principal component analyses. The phenogram and the principal components separate the 58 OTUs in two groups, identified by characters related with pubescence of vegetative organs, length and width of leaflets and the hairs lengths. The morphological characters attributed to C. megapotamica have some discriminate values which suggest that is not a synonym of C. incana; however, the taxonomic values (of said characters) are not strong enough to allowed C. megapotamica be considered as independent species. It was established that the materials from Córdoba and the rest of the country be considered as a taxonomic complex named Crotalaria incana L. sensu lato. It was recommended to name the two identified groups: Group 1 and Group 2 until the nomenclature status is resolved through analysis of type, nomenclature revision, and determination of correct synonyms. Morphological description, illustration and studied materials are provided for C. incana L. s.l.

Keywords : Crotalaria incana L.; Statistical evaluation; Taxonomic complex.

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