Variation inLimnanthes alba: A biosystematic survey of germ plasm resources1

Sixteen populations ofLimnanthes alba Bent ham are described for variation in plant growth, floral morphology, and reproductive traits in terms of a biosystematic survey of inter population differentiation. Earlier discussions of two varieties by other botanists are reviewed in relation to our findings of several overlapping and polymorphic population clusters (“races”). Afield evaluation of seed yield at Davis suggested that variability inL. alba be fully described for its use in crop improvement by hybridization and selection.