DIFFERENTIATION PATTERNS IN RANUNCULUS SUBGENUS BATRACHIUM (RANUNCULACEAE)

The processes that have influenced speciation and evolution in Ranuncu lus subg. Batrachium are surveyed: polypoidy and hybridization, enviro nmental adaptation, morphological differentiation, reproduction and th e breeding system, including the embryology of the group. Preliminary results of isozyme electrophoretic studies and flavonoid HPLC-studies are presented. The rank of subgenus as well as differentiation and spe ciation are discussed. The new combination Ranunculus pekinensis (L. L IOU) G. DAHLGREN is made.