Abstract
Cercis canadensis L. (Eastern redbud) is a small tree (to 15 m) in the legume family (Leguminosae sub. Caesalpiniaceae). Its natural range extends along the eastern region of the United States (USA), west to Texas and south as far as central Mexico (Raulston, 1990; Robertson, 1976). This wide geographic distribution underscores the ecotypic diversity observed in this species. Morphological variation in leaf size and thickness are regionally observed (Donselman and Flint, 1982) and may be related to localized light and drought conditions (Abrams, 1988). There has been limited selection for superior plant characteristics other than flower color from wild Eastern redbud populations. However, distinct botanical varieties of C. canadensis have been described based primarily on foliar characteristics. Some authorities consider the morphological differences between these botanical varieties distinct enough to separate them into species. Cercis canadensis var. canadensis is characterized as having a dull green flexible leaf that is pointed at the apex and is distributed along the eastern portion of the USA. Cercis canadensis var. texensis (syn. C. reniformis) has a stiff, waxy, dark green leaf and a south central USA distribution. Cercis canadensis var. mexicana (syn. C. mexicana) extends the range of this species south into central Mexico. Plants in this southern range are characterized by a smaller, waxy leaf with a wavy margin that can have considerable pubescence.
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Trigiano, R.N., Geneve, R.L., Buckley, L.G. (1995). Somatic embryogenesis in eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). In: Jain, S.M., Gupta, P.K., Newton, R.J. (eds) Somatic Embryogenesis in Woody Plants. Forestry Sciences, vol 44-46. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0491-3_25
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0491-3_25
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