Morphometric analysis of the Bersama abyssinica Fresen. complex (Melianthaceae) in East Africa

The morphological variation of the Bersama abyssinica complex in East Afric a is analysed. A wide range of characters was examined both on specimens co llected for this study and on a selection of type material. The character d istribution of each character was examined individually. The ratios of some of the characters were calculated, and selected characters were plotted in pairwise combinations. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and principal c omponent analysis were employed in the multivariate analyses. On the basis of the patterns observed in the numerical analyses as well as those in the field, a new combination, Bersama abyssinica Fresen. ssp. rosea (Hoyle) Mik kelsen is proposed. The presence of the two flower types described by White : (a) male flowers, with long stamens and short gynoecium and (b) female fl owers, with short, abortive stamens and long gynoecium is confirmed, but fo und to be taxonomically insignificant.