THE CERASTIUM-ALPINUM GROUP (CARYOPHYLLACEAE) IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF POLAND AND SLOVAKIA

The Cerastium alpinum group is represented in the Polish and Slovakian West Carpathians by the two closely related species, i.e., Cerastium alpinum L. (2n=72) and C. eriophorum KIT. (2n=36). While C. alpinum, i s confined to a local area on the Slovakian and Polish side of Mt. Bab ia hora (= Mt. Babia gora) in the Zapadne Beskydy Mts (Beskid Zywiecki Mts in Poland), C. eriophorum is wide-spread on mylonitized granite, limestone and dolomite thorough the whole Tatry Mts (including Zapadne Tatry, Vysoke Tatry and Belianske Tatry Mts in Slovakia and Polish Ta try Mts). C. alpinum and C. eriophorum differ in chromosome number, po llen and stomata size, micromorphology of trichomes and seeds. Detaile d data are given on the synonymy, the coenological affinities, and the distribution of the two taxa in Slovakia and in Poland.