Variability and structure of natural populations of Elymus caninus (L.) L. based on morphology

Great variability involving 36 quantitative and 31 qualitative characters, as well as the habitats occupied has been shown in 18 populations of Elymus caninus from Poland, based on the detailed population and statistical analyses of morphological characters. The variability of these characters proves that the intraspecific units which have been distinguished on the basis of these characters do not have systematic significance. The two morphotypes of E. caninus (pauciflorum and caninus) described in this study will provide the basis for further genetic studies aimed at establishing their significance for considerations in the systematics of the species.It is the first paper from the series: Biodiversity of wild Triticeae (Poaceae) in Poland.