Taxonomy, Morphology, and Geographic Distribution of Juncus longii (Juncaceae)
Authors have debated the taxonomic status of Juncus longii almost since its description in 1937. Some authors treat the J. marginatus complex, to which J. longii belongs, as comprised of three species (J. biflorus, J. longii and, J. marginatus),
whereas other authors recognize only one species (J. marginatus). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses of measurements of twelve morphological characters suggest that Juncus longii is a species distinct from J. marginatus and J. biflorus. Ecological
differences are also apparent. Juncus longii is restricted to early successional seepages with exposed soils. Juncus marginatus and J. biflorus, however, are found in less specialized habitats. Syntopic occurrences of J. longii with J. marginatus and J.
longii with J. biflorus suggest the morphological differences used to identify these species are not a reflection of environmental conditions. Juncus longii is endemic to the southeastern United States, whereas J. biflorus and J. marginatus are more broadly
distributed across eastern North America, Central America and central South America.
Keywords: CLUSTER ANALYSIS; CONSERVATION CONCERN; DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS; PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS ANALYSIS
Document Type: Regular Paper
Publication date: 01 October 2008
- Systematic Botany is the scientific journal of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists and publishes four issues per year.
2011 Impact Factor: 1.517
2011 ISI Journal Citation Reports® Rankings: 87/190 - Plant Sciences
34/45 - Evolutionary Biology - Editorial Board
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