Cytological variability and possible hybridization of the species \kur{Spergularia echinosperma} and \kur{S. rubra} - a review of the issue in the whole genus and a pilot study

Abstract

Spergularia echinosperma is traditionally thought to be a species endemic to Central Europe, growing only on bare pond bottoms and sand river banks where it is believed to interbreed with a similar species S. rubra, which could be attended by change of ploidy level. This study aims by means of flow cytometry to gain primary insight into the ploidy levels occurring in populations of these species and to estimate possible presence of interspecific hybrids. Also some new information about the distribution of S. echinosperma is given