AuthorMurphy, R.J.
Year2016
TitleEvening-primroses (Oenothera) of Britain and Ireland
ISBN978-0-90-115849-9
SeriesB.S.B.I. Handbook
TypeBook/Report
How CompleteAll the British species and hybrids known at the time, including very rare casuals.
SourceB.S.B.I. Handbook, No. 16, 96pp, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)
IllustrationsColour photographs, line drawings
Review (by Malcolm Storey)

Evening primroses have unusual genetics with balanced lethal alleles which result in heterzygous populations breeding true and behaving as separate species. There are two competing approaches: the broad or American approach recognises broad species concepts whereas in Europe a narrower concept has gained favour with correspondingly more species.

There are three keys: Key A is based on Stace 3 (2010) and uses a "broad" species concept (4 species). Key B follows the "narrow" species concept (18 species and subspecies). Key C covers just the recorded hybrids and their reciprocal crosses (6), although omits the triple hybrid.

Use Key A first. If no perfect match if found try Key B. If again there is no match, look for a hybrid in Key C.

Examine with x8 or x10 hand lens ( Stereo Microscope is also useful)
Specimen PreparationFresh or pressed speciemens with all stages from buds to ripe capsules.
Notes & PurposeStatusTaxonEnglishClassification
For identificationCurrentOenotheraevening-primrosesPlantae: Myrtales: Onagraceae
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