VARIATION IN THE AMPHI-ATLANTIC PLANT VAHLODEA-ATROPURPUREA (POACEAE)

Vahlodea atropurpurea ssp. atropurpurea is a perennial grass with an amphi-Atlantic distribution. The degree of variation in this taxon was studied by biochemical genetic methods and by morphometric analyses in populations from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Genetic screening at seventeen loci revealed monomorphism and genetic identity among populations. The morphometric analysis of leaf traits supported the isozyme analyses in lack of variation. The lack of intra- and interpopulational heterogeneity is discussed.