> Can P.vulgaris and P.grandiflora hybridize? Could that be where
>this probably mistaken taxon comes from?
Despite of the different chromosome numbers P. grandiflora and P. vulgaris
form natural hybrids at common sites. I have seen such hybrids in the
central Pyrenees (France, above Garvarnie). The hybrid is also reported
from SW Ireland.
Most Maroccan Ping. specimens, as far as I can say from the description,
have more characteristics of P. vulgaris than of grandiflora, with exeption
of 1 specimen and with exeption of the herbarium specimen photographed and
published by Jan Schlauer. Those latter ones could be P. grandiflora. If
really both (vulgaris and grandifl.) grow in the Er Rif mountains and even
at common sites it would be likely to find also hybrids.
I must see them with my very eyes. Someone wants to join me for a short
Marocco trip next spring?
Juerg
___________________________________________________
Juerg Steiger, Institut fuer Aus-, Weiter- und Fortbildung IAWF
University of Bern, Inselspital 37a, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
Office: +41 31 632 9887 Fax: +41 31 632 9871