Biosystematics of Sisymbrium irio Complex XIII : Taxonomic Considerations

After a brief discussion on the biosystematic principles in relation to the traditional taxonomy, the variation pattern of the Sisymbrium irio complex has been considered taxonomically. From a utilitarian point of view, the complex is divisible into two (diploid-hexaploid; tetraploid-octoploid) species, although genetically there are four clear cut species. Such an arrangement is also in line with the genomic relations within the complex. For the present, it is proposed to treat the two members of each species as varieties. Only hexaploid matches with the Linnean holotype, and would thus get the name S. irio Linn. Pending a thorough search for synonymy within the species, a tentative scheme has been suggested.