Volume 210, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 47-59
On the origin and systematic position of the Azorean goldenrod, Solidago azorica (Asteraceae) (Article)
Plant Biodiversity Research, Technische Universität München, Emil-Ramann-Str. 2, Freising, Germany
Abstract
Goldenrods were first
collected in the Azores by the German botanist Karl Hochstetter in 1838
and described as an endemic species Solidago azorica. In 1882, Asa Gray
placed the name into synonymy of the American seaside goldenrod, S.
sempervirens. The taxonomic position and status of the plants in the
Azores remained unclear ever since but recent human-mediated
introduction from the American coast seemed to be the most likely
explanation. Here, I analyze molecular and morphological data and the
historical record to test this hypothesis. While morphological
differences are not clear and an overall similarity to some specimens
from New Foundland is striking, I find that all analyzed Solidago plants
from the Azores archipelago differ in their nuclear ITS and ETS
sequences plus a number of microsatellite markers from American
goldenrods. Furthermore, the historical record suggests existence of
goldenrods in the Azores at the time of the arrival of the first
settlers and well before Columbus’ first journey. Moreover, large
populations were reported from several islands in the 16th century. I
conclude that the Azorean plants are native to the Azores and represent a
distinct endemic species sharing a common ancestor with S.
sempervirens. The Azorean plants represent a geographically isolated,
genetically distinct population that is most likely the result of a
natural colonization event from the North American coast perhaps via
vagrant birds. I reinstate the name S. azorica and describe the
morphological differences between S. azorica and S. sempervirens. © 2015
Magnolia Press.
Author keywords
Cubres; ETS; Gaspar Frutuoso; ITS; Seaside goldenrod; TrnQ-rps16
Indexed keywords
Species Index: Asteraceae; Aves; Solidago; Solidago sempervirens