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Type: Monograph
Published: 2016-11-22
Page range: 1–100
Abstract views: 22
PDF downloaded: 1

Taxonomic revision of Veronica subsection Pentasepalae (Veronica, Plantaginaceae sensu APG III)

1Departamento de Botánica, University of Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain Biobanco de ADN Vegetal, University of Salamanca, Edificio Multiusos I+D+i, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
1Departamento de Botánica, University of Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain Biobanco de ADN Vegetal, University of Salamanca, Edificio Multiusos I+D+i, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
descriptions distribution maps Europe identification key morphology taxonomy Eudicots

Abstract

Veronica subsect. Pentasepalae is a monophyletic group of perennial herbs distributed mainly in Europe, with a few species reaching Siberia and one N Africa. Since its first description by Bentham in 1846, both the circumscription of the subsection and the species boundaries have been subject to controversy. The first complete taxonomic revision of V. subsect. Pentasepalae is presented here in the light of recent phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequence data and ploidy level information. For this work ca. 2900 sheets lodged at 63 herbaria were studied and approximately 500 populations were visited directly in the field. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, notes on habitat preferences, phenology, chromosome numbers and distribution maps are provided, as well as an identification key to all species. Twenty-two taxa are recognized for V. subsect. Pentasepalae: 17 species, four subspecies and one variety.