FLAVONOID PROFILES VARIATION IN ARMERIA-MARITIMA (MILL) WILLD

The leaf flavonoid content in individuals of Armeria maritima originat ing from populations with contrasted ecogeographical situations and be longing to seven distinct intraspecific taxa, is highly variable both quantitatively and qualitatively. Principal component analysis and com parison of frequency of individual flavonoid profiles show that congru ence between classical taxonomic units and flavonoid pattern of variat ion is only circumstantial. The level of variability in flavonoids for ecogeographical groups of populations decrease in relation to change in breeding system from xenogamy to autogamy and to strong selection p ressures (heavy metal toxicity). Populations within ecogeographical gr oups are significantly distinct for their level of variability.