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June 23, 2026Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society

Cryptic invasion within the Holosteum umbellatum complex (Caryophyllaceae) in central Europe

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Authors

AMAttila MesterházyMLMagdalena LučanováPKPetr Koutecký

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Overview

Integrative taxonomic analysis uncovers a novel invasive allotetraploid species within Holosteum umbellatum complexes across central Europe, indicating rapid cryptic spread in roadside habitats.

Key Points

  • To evaluate cytotypic and taxonomic variation within Holosteum umbellatum populations in central Europe and identify potential cryptic invasive lineages.
  • Sampled Holosteum populations across Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia.
  • Combined flow cytometry, chromosome counting, morphometric analyses, and nuclear ITS sequence data to assess taxonomic boundaries.
  • Detected two co-occurring cytotypes: diploid Holosteum umbellatum sensu stricto (2n = 20) and a previously unrecognized allotetraploid cytotype (2n = 40).
  • Characterized the allotetraploid as a distinct new species, Holosteum cerastioides sp. nov., reliably differentiated by leaf shape, pedicel indumentum, and stamen count.
  • Identified that Holosteum cerastioides carries one ITS ribotype from diploid H. umbellatum and is undergoing rapid expansion in salt-affected roadside habitats.

Cite This Study

Mesterházy et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a77c8986c53f758bc1ea81dhttps://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/boag071
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