Isoetes × marensis, a new interspecific hybrid from western Canada

Abstract

A new interspecific hybrid in Isoetes, I. maritima Underw. × I. howellii Engelm., is delineated and described from the Shuswap Highlands region of British Columbia by means of cytology and scanning electron microscopy of spores. Isoetes × marensis D.M. Britton and D.F. Brunton, hyb.nov. is the name proposed for this taxon. It is triploid (3x; 2n = 33) and is believed to produce only sterile and (or) aborted spores. Hybrid plants have polymorphic spores that demonstrate size and surface ornamentation features intermediate between those of the putative parents. Three populations were examined, each growing with both of the putative parents in silt and sand among granite cobble over clay along an emergent lakeshore. Isoetes × marensis is the first described North American hybrid involving an amphibious Isoetes. It is expected to be a rare taxon owing to the restricted sympatric area of the putative parents and their tendency to occupy different habitats. Key words: Isoetes, Isoetes howellii, Isoetes maritima, hybrid, British Columbia.