Petasites kablikianus (Asteraceae) in the Slovak Carpathians: distribution, chromosome number and genome size

Abstract

The paper treats the distribution and ecological characteristics of the butterbur species Petasites kablikianus in the Slovak Carpathians (Central Europe). Study of herbarium specimens, review of published sources and results of field research show its wide distribution in northern and central Slovakia, mainly in wet biotopes such as gravel riverbeds and rocky banks of mountain streams. The majority of populations occur from the submontane to montane level (mainly at elevations of 600-1200 m a.s.l.) with the altitudinal maximum at ca. 1850 m a.s.l. Chromosome number analysis showed 2n = 60. The nuclear DNA content measured in leaves was 2C = 5.96 ± 0.17 pg, or 5828 Mbp. Characters used for determination are also discussed. A distribution map is attached

Keywords

• Petasites kablikianus
• nuclear DNA content
• karyology
• chorology
• Slovakia