The taxonomic value of using epidermal characteristics in the Canadian rough fescue complex (Festuca altaica, F. campestris, F. hallii, "F. scabrella")

Abstract

Epidermal peels were made from specimens chosen from a wide range of different locations selecting 10 collections of each of the three species recognized by J. Looman and K. F. Best as being in the Canadian rough fescue complex. Cell measurements and observations on wall shape were made on cells from the intercostal zones. The results of this study are consistent with the suggestion that there are three taxa in the rough fescue complex. The mean values for cell length and wall shape showed that, statistically, the taxa differ significantly from each other; in a single specimen the characters showed a wide range of variation and none could be used reliably to confirm identification.