Variety (biology)
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In botanical nomenclature, variety is a rank below that of species: As such, it gets a ternary name (a name in three parts).
A variety will have an appearance distinct from other varieties, but will hybridize freely with those other varieties (if brought into contact). Usually varieties will be geographically separate from each other.
Example: The pincushion cactus, Escobaria vivipara (Nutt.) Buxb., is a wide-ranging variable species occurring from Canada to Mexico, and found throughout New Mexico below about 2600 m. Nine varieties have been described. Where the varieties of the pincushion cactus meet, they intergrade. The variety Escobaria vivipara var. arizonica is from Arizona, while Escobaria vivipara var. neo-mexicana is from New Mexico.
Note:
- To plant breeders, at least in countries that are signatory to the UPOV Convention, "variety" or "plant variety" is a legal term.
- In zoology, the only rank below that of species is that of subspecies.
- In bacteriological nomenclature "variety" and "subspecies" are used interchangeably.
