A phenetic investigation of Vicia section Peregrinae Kupicha (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Vicieae)

Abstract

The taxonomic relationships between the four species of Vicia L. sect. Peregrinae Kupicha (1976) have been studied using 174 morphological characters. The results of the phenetic study are considered in conjunction with a literature review of the taxonomic history, cytology, phytogeography and ecology of the taxa involved. It is concluded that V. mollis is peripheral within sect. Peregrinae, and an investigation of the taxa of both sections Peregrinae and Hypechusa shows the species to be a natural member of sect. Hypechusa, to which it is transferred. The relationship between the three remaining species of sect. Peregrinae is discussed, and a key and conspectus to taxa are provided.