Hybridization and Regional Variation in Pacific Northwestern Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)
Ornduff R. 1967. Hybridization and Regional Variation in Pacific Northwestern Impatiens (Balsaminaceae). Brittonia. 19(2):122-128
Variation patterns of Impatiens species in the Pacific Northwest are discussed. Much of the variability there is attributed to widespread interspecific hybridization. Taxonomy of the genus is briefly reviewed, and it is suggested that four species should be recognized for the region. An account of natural hybridization between I. capensis and I. ecalcarata is given in detail, and it is postulated that the effects of this hybridization may extend beyond the immediate area in which it is detectable on the basis of morphological patterns. It is suggested that I. aurella may be of hybrid origin since it combines characters of two species in the Pacific Northwest. Although natural hybridization is occurring at the present time, geographical distribution of variant populations of the species suggests that extensive hybridization may have been initiated in late Pleistocene as a result of the ecological disturbances prevalent at that time.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Ornduff, Robert
- Units
- KLMN , UCBN
- Keywords
- Impatiens (Balsaminaceae), Plant Studies