Solenopsis bivonae
Systematics
Taxonomy according to Crespo & al. (1998). The taxon S. meikleana, recently classified as a Cypriot endemic (Brullo & al. 2023), does not differ from S. bivonae in any morphological character of taxonomic value for the genus, which distinguishes its generally accepted species. Differences of the postulated new species are minor and overlap more or less clearly. Furthermore, molecular genetic studies are urgently needed to explain the conspicuous disjunctions in several taxa, possibly also the presumed ages of the isolated populations (relicts vs. rather recent long-distance dispersal). Whether a separation of the populations of Cyprus on an infraspecific level is useful will then have to be evaluated.
Brullo S., Brullo C., Cambria S., Tomaselli V., Crisafulli A., Siracusa G., Minissale P. & Giusso del Galdo G. 2023: Taxonomic and ecological remarks on Solenopsis bivonae species complex (Campanulaceae). - PhytoKeys 229: 77-111.
Crespo M. B., Serra L. & Juan A. 1998: Solenopsis (Lobeliaceae): a genus endemic in the Mediterranean Region. - Pl. Syst. Evol. 210: 211-229.
Brullo S., Brullo C., Cambria S., Tomaselli V., Crisafulli A., Siracusa G., Minissale P. & Giusso del Galdo G. 2023: Taxonomic and ecological remarks on Solenopsis bivonae species complex (Campanulaceae). - PhytoKeys 229: 77-111.
Crespo M. B., Serra L. & Juan A. 1998: Solenopsis (Lobeliaceae): a genus endemic in the Mediterranean Region. - Pl. Syst. Evol. 210: 211-229.