Aestival and autumnal vicariads ofGentianella (Gentianaceae): A myth?

Plant samples were collected from 13 populations of the two speciesGentianella germanica andG. campestris. In addition, two samples from populations of grazed plants lacking their main stems were collected. A number of relevant morphological characters were measured, the flowering time, and the habitats of each population were studied. Some ecotypes ofG. germanica with clear differences in flowering time were recognized. Differences in flowering time and morphology between populations ofG. campestris seem to be clinal. The generally accepted theory of seasonal dimorphism with the assumption of separate aestival and autumnal vicariads proves to be inadequate. A hypothesis based upon the effect of human influences on the origin of this ecotypes is suggested.