Biosystematic studies on the genus Crepis L. (Asteraceae: Cichorieae) in Egypt

Abstract

The taxonomy of the genus Crepis L. in Egypt is critically discussed. The genus is represented in Egypt by seven species with four infra-specific taxa. One new record (C. aspera var. inermis (Cass.) Boiss.) is reported here for the first time for the flora of Egypt. The macro- and micro-morphological characteristics of the studied Crepis taxa, including the capitula, phyllaries, achenes, trichomes, and stomata, were investigated. Multivariate (cluster and PCA) analyses based on macro- and micro-morphological characteristics elucidate the phenetic relationships among the investigated taxa at the sectional level. A key, full descriptions, an updated nomenclature, and a revised type citation to the Crepis taxa are provided.

Keywords: Achenes; Asteraceae; Cichorieae; Crepis; Stomatal index; Trichomes.