Tragopogon, a genus of Eurasian origin, has become a model system for evolutionary genomics of polyploid species. As reviewed in other sections, three diploid species were introduced from Eurasia into North America. In the western U.S.A. they came into contact (which rarely occurs in the native range), hybridized and gave rise repeatedly to two new polyploids that are less that 90 years old. Thus, providing a unique model for the study of recent and recurring polyploidy.
Pam Soltis examines the short-liguled form of the allotetraploid Tragopogon miscellus in captivity (Univ. Florida).
Doug Soltis and a close-up of a floral head of short-liguled Tragopogon miscellus.
