Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Within the genus Moehringia, M. bavarica is part of a clade that consists of two species widespread in the Alps (and partly beyond) and 13 species with mostly regional or local ranges mostly along the S edge of the Alps. Of these latter species M. bavarica is most widely distributed and is found from E of Lago di Como (N Italy) in the west into the Balkan Peninsula. In the more recent (since 1959) literature, M. bavarica was divided into the widespread subsp. bavarica and the narrowly distributed subsp. insubrica limited to Lago d'Iseo (N Italy). The distinction of the two subspecies was based on leaf characters. This treatment differs from earlier treatments, which distinguished between subsp. bavarica from South Tyrol (N Italy) and subsp. malyi from Styria (Austria) and the Balkan Peninsula. Examination of 78 herbarium specimens representing the entire range of the species led me to conclude that the latter treatment is to be preferred. The two subspecies can be distinguished by leaf characters and number and size of flowers. Citation: Kadereit J. W. 2025: A reversed subspecific classification of Moehringia bavarica (Caryophyllaceae). – Willdenowia 55: 95–105. Version of record first published online on 27 May 2025.
DOI: 10.3372/wi.55.09
Author: Joachim W. Kadereit
Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410789389