The comparative analysis of species of genus Stroganowia (Cruciferae)

Abstract

The paper presents a comparative analysis of Stroganowia species with the use of morphological and anatomical characters. It delimits five groups of species that can form the base for the future system of the genus and determines primitive and advanced characteristics that comprise “the code of specialization” of Stroganowia species. The ancestral forms were characterized by weak mechanical layer or its absent in pericarp and their seed coat contained great amount of mucilage and starch in exotesta. The genus Stroganowia in the scope accepted within the research is endemic of Iran-Turan floristic area, it is polyphyletic and was formed in two centers: in foothills of the western Tian-Shan and Pamir-Alay as well as in Balkhash-Alakol region. The paper draws a conclusion that the origin of endemics of Karatau mountain ridge (S. robusta, S. cardiophylla, S. kazachstanica) is heterogeous. S. cardiophylla and S. kazachstanica originated and developed in Karatau, but S. robusta migrated from Betpak-Dala.

Keywords:

Stroganowia, comparative analysis, pericarp, seed coat, evolutionary series of characters, centers of species growth, Iran-Turan floristic area