Succisa Pratensis Moench

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Abstract
S. pratensis is a variable sp. and a no. of forms have been described. S. trichotocephala Baksay, a closely related sp., is found only on the Cameroons Mountain (West Africa). S. pratensis occurs in many types of habitat in Europe, northwards to 68[degree] 21''; it ascends to 2400 m in Hungary. It often occurs in formerly disturbed areas and is resistant to trampling in the vegetative form. Growth is considerably reduced by competition from other plants. The rhizome is slightly twisted so that alternate leaf pairs are not superimposed. Its base is cut off in autumn by an abscission layer. The chromosome number is 20 in S. pratensis and in S. trichotocephala. Female flowers of 3 kinds were found in S. pratensis with: aborted anthers, stamens replaced by corolla parts, large corolla, loosely packed flowers, aborted anthers and infection by Peronospora dipsaci Tub. (?). Intermediate types occur be-tween these and hermaphrodite flowers. A variety of insect visitors is recorded. The primary root is supplemented and later supplanted by adventitious roots. A number of parasites is recorded, none of which appears to cause serious lack of vigor. Pollen or fruit is recorded from interglacial beds and from zones II - VIE in England and Ireland.

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