Phenetics of the subgenera and sections in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oxytropis</Emphasis> DC. (Fabaceae) bearing on ecology and phylogeny

Cluster analysis based on 50 quantitative alternative morphological characters was applied to 25 sections in the genus Oxytropis DC. It has mainly confirmed the division into subgenera and sections accepted by different authors. It reveals the affinity (not identity) between subgenera Traganthopsis Vass. and Triticaria Vass. (difference: 44%), and justifies the recognition of the section Chrysantha Vass. in the subgenus Oxytropis, as well as the recognition of the sections Dolichanthos Gontsch. and Mongolia F. C. Fu, the latter being related to the subgenus Ptiloxytropis Bunge. In addition, it has been shown that the divorce of the section Mesogaea Bunge from the Janthina Bunge section, and section Polyscapa Ulzij. from the type section Physoxytropis Bunge is unreasonable. These conclusions on phenetics are the guide indicators for a profound study of phylogeny influenced by ecology.