A numerical analysis of chromatographic profiles in North American taxa of the fern genusGymnocarpium

摘要

As part of a systematic investigation of the genusGymnocarpiumin North America, a survey of chromatographic profiles in species and hybrids of the genus was initiated. It was established through cluster analysis and ordination of the phenolic data that morphologically distinguishable taxa ofGymnocarpiumcan be recognized by their chromatographic profiles alone. These data provide supportive evidence for the recognition ofG. robertianumandG. jessoensessp.parvulumas distinct taxa and for the hybrid status ofG. times;intermedium. They also suggest that, as currently circumscribed,G. jessoensessp.jessoenseis a heterogeneous taxon.