THE PHYTOGEOGRAPHY OF THE CHAMAECYTISUS-PROLIFERUS (L FIL) LINK (FABACEAE, GENISTEAE) COMPLEX IN THE CANARY-ISLANDS - A MULTIVARIATE-ANALYSIS

Chamaecytisus proliferus (L.fil.) Link (Fabaceae: Genisteae) represent s a species complex in the Canary Islands. Floristic data from 147 rel eves from the whole complex were collected and analysed by classificat ion (TWINSPAN) and ordination (DECORANA) methods. Results indicate tha t white escobon of Tenerife, escobon of El Hierro, white escobon of Gr an Canaria and typical tagasaste in La Palma are associated with those plant communities from the north of these islands which are under the influence of the north-eastern trade winds. Narrow-leaved escobon in Tenerife and La Gomera, escobon of southern Gran Canaria and white tag asaste of La Palma are found in those areas which are not under the di rect influence of these winds. Morphological forms from the more easte rly islands (Gran Canaria and Tenerife-La Gomera) have the broadest ec ological range and they have played an important role in the floristic changes which have taken place after the destruction of the forests i n these islands. The highest priorities for in situ conservation shoul d be given to wild populations of typical tagasaste, white escobon of Tenerife and escobon of El Hierro.