Abstract

In North America, Hedysarum taxa extend from southern Arizona to Banks Island and from northern Alaska to Newfoundland. They exhibit a high degree of polymorphism which is usually expressed in the form of a gradient in morphological characteristics. Four species, one subspecies and four varieties are recognized, including one new combination, H. boreale ssp. boreale var. rivulare (Williams) Northstrom. Comparative anatomical and morphological studies revealed two basic patterns. Chromosome numbers of all taxa were determined. The basic chromosome number of H. alpinum, H. sulphurescens and H. occidentale is n=7. The basic chromosome number of H. boreale is n=8. Seed protein electrophoresis revealed two basic patterns which correspond to the two sections of the genus now delimited by classical methods. Total seed protein was estimated for each species. Tissue and seed extracts were tested for various ureides, uncommon amino acids and phytohemagglutinins. All taxa were found to be nonhemagglutinating and positive for canavanine, mangiferin, arginine and uric acid. Leaf element accumulation characters for each species were determined.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Rights

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