Leontodon pyrenaicus
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 Leontodon pyrenaicus subsp. helveticus
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| Leontodon pyrenaicus Gouan |
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L. pyrenaicus subsp. cantabricus |
Leontodon pyrenaicus is a species of hawkbit found in the Alps, Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, northern Apennines and northern parts of the Balkan Peninsula. It grows in meadows and on stony slopes from the treeline to over 3000 m, usually on acidic soils. It is perennial, and flowers from June to August.
The stems of L. pyrenaicus are narrow, up to 30 cm long, with several scale-like leaves, and with a single flower head at the top. The leaves form a basal rosette, and are clearly stalked. The flower heads are 20–20 mm wide and bright yellow.
L. pyrenaicus is divided into three allopatric subspecies which differ in their size and in the nature of the hairs on the bracts:
- L. pyrenaicus subsp. cantabricus lives in the Cantabrian Mountains
- L. pyrenaicus subsp. helveticus lives in the Alps, Apennines and Balkans
- L. pyrenaicus subsp. pyrenaicus lives in the Pyrenees
Recent research has shown the genus Leontodon to be para– or polyphyletic, with genera such as Picris and Hypochaeris nesting within it. As a result, based on morphology, molecular evidence and phytochemistry, the former subgenus Oporinia may be raised to generic level as the genus Scorzoneroides. It is also common for the subspecies to be considered separate species, in which case they are called Leontodon cantabricus, L. helveticus and L. pyrenaicus.
[edit] Reference
- Fischer, M. A., W. Adler & K. Oswald (2005): Exkursionsflora für Österreich, Liechtenstein und Südtirol. 2nd edn. Land Oberösterreich, Biologiezentrum des OÖ Landesmuseum, Linz, 1392 pp. ISBN 3-85474-140-5
