Phlox Carolina

Phlox Carolina L., a tall, perennial phlox native to southeastern United States, was shown to exhibit a substantial degree of flavonoid variation by Levy and Levin (1975). In a subsequent paper. Levy and Lujii (1978) described attempts to establish geographical patterns in the occurrence of leaf fiavonoids. Seventy-three collections were made representing populations in Georgia, Alabama (a total of 64 populations). 

Fig. 2.54 Map showing collection sites for Phlox Carolina study...

This study of Phlox Carolina represents one of the best examples in the flavonoid chemosystematic literature where workers combined thorough sampling, detailed statistical analysis, and an intimate knowledge of the biology of the system under scrutiny to produce a convincing picture of natural variation. As mentioned at the beginning of this discussion, a more casual approach would have undoubtedly overlooked the subtle differences that characterize this system. 

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