Seed image analysis provides evidence of taxonomical differentiation within the Lavatera triloba aggregate (Malvaceae)

Thirty-four seed morphometric and colorimetric features of the five taxa belonging to the Lavatera triloba aggregate were measured using an image analysis system. Data were statistically analysed using a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), which provided evidence to reassess the taxonomic position of some neglected or doubtful taxa. The results confirm the differentiation of the insular endemics L. agrigentina, L. triloba ssp. pallescens and L. triloba ssp. minoricensis. Moreover, the Sardinian populations of L. triloba ssp. triloba are clearly differentiated from their Iberian counterparts, but on the other hand, the seed morpho-colorimetric variation between L. triloba ssp. triloba and L. flava is not easy to interpret.