Senecio lautus complex in Australia. III. The genetic system

Abstract

A study of the genetic systems in the genoecodemes of the Senecio lautus complex in Australia and New Zealand showed that the variation pattern of the complex may be explained in the light of the genetic systems met with in the five Australian and one New Zealand genoecodemes recognized previously. The probable course of evolution in the complex is discussed, and it is shown that reproductive barriers are present between mallee and montane genoecodemes, whereas other such groups are potentially capable of exchanging genic material. The roles of indirect and limited gene exchange and human influence on the evolution of this complex are discussed.