The genus Coincya Rouy (Cruciferae) in south-central Spain revisited: a morphometric analysis of population structure

Abstract

A morphometric study of 11 characters of mature fruits from 12 populations of the genus Coincya (Cruciferae) includes the three species known to grow in the Sierra Morena range (south-central Spain): C. monensis, C. longimstra and C. rupestris. Intrapopulation variability is high for most of the analysed populations and explains previous difficulties found in the taxonomic treatment of this material. Cluster analysis led to the definition of five distinct morphotypes whose ascription to the existing taxa is discussed. The majority of the populations studied are composed of at least two morphotypes, which is interpreted as the result of a very active introgression. No new taxa or combinations are proposed but population structure and variation are analysed and an updated geographic scheme is offered in order to help to interpret the present situation. Some considerations on the ecological value of swollen beaks and a possible evolutionary scheme for the whole group are discussed.