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Behen vulgaris Moench ? subalpine subspecies

Flora Europaea (this subspecies not recognized in Flora Europaea vol. 1 and in the manuals of the Flora of Romania except for some forms in Flora Reipublicae Popularis Romanicae vol II, pag. 135-136). the original Linnean specimen, classified as Cucubalus behen L.           This proposed subspecies refers to the populations of Silene vulgaris from the subalpine belt of the Carpathians, with wide ovate leaves and larger flowers. However, the species is extremely variable and the problem seems difficult to be solved. The populations from lower altitudes usually have lanceolate leaves and much smaller flowers. Near Capra peak, Fagaras Mountains, Arges county, 16 August 2010. dr. Alexandru Badarau, alexandru@transsilvanica.net Tibles Mountains, near Grosii Tiblesului, Maramures county, July 2008. A nice variety with purple flowers. Dan Turtureanu, PhD student, turtureanudan@gmail.com