Discussion of the morphology and distribution of Rorippa microphylla (Cruciferae) and related taxa from the Iberian Península

Abstract

A morphological and chorological study of Rorippa microphylla, R. nasturtium-aquaticum and R. x sterilis in the Iberian Península was carried out. The number of areolae per side on the seed coat is confirmed as the best distinguishing character between these taxa. The length of the atiricies in caulinar leaves is also pointed out as a valuable trait. R. microphylla reaches in the center of the Iberian Península the southernmost and only Mediterranean localities of this species in Europe. Both R. microphylla and R. nasturtium-aquaticum form part of two types of communities of flowing waters, one in which decumbent helophytes of shallow waters domínate, and the other dominated by erect helophytes of somewhat deeper waters.

Keywords

• cruciferae
• arabideae
• rorippa
• watercress
• morphology
• chorology
• iberian península