Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Jolles, Diana [1], Wilson, Carol [2].

A cryptic species of Cascadian Pyrola (Ericaceae): overlooking the late bloomer.

The Pyrola picta species complex (Ericaceae) of western North America is taxonomically challenging because variation in leaf morphology for all species can confound field identification. All three traditionally recognized species, P. picta, P. dentata, and P. aphylla, occupy generally the same range and commonly occur in sympatry due to similar habitat preferences and nutritional requirements. In this talk we describe a new, cryptic species, Pyrola cryptofolia ined., within the P. picta complex that is remarkably similar in appearance to P. picta but is genetically quite distinct. The species is restricted to the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest and Coastal Mountains of northern California. Due to the difficulty of identifying P. cryptofolia in the field, it has been difficult thus far to amass enough collections of the species to conduct thorough morphological studies, but our findings (based on samples identified by DNA nucleotide sequence polymorphisms) suggest that P. cryptofolia differs consistently from sibling taxa in the size of its calyx and floral bracts in addition to a later flowering time. We discuss both the consequences of recognizing cryptic species and the implications of genetic divergence without corresponding morphological change on our understanding of evolutionary patterns and processes in genus Pyrola.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont Graduate University, 1500 North College Avenue, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
2 - Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, 1500 North College Avenue, Claremont, CA, 91711-3157, USA

Keywords:
Pyrola
Ericaceae
cryptic species
Pacific Northwest
speciation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 4
Location: Magnolia/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 4010
Abstract ID:801
Candidate for Awards:George R. Cooley Award