Ein kromosomkanning av sinugrasi, (reyð-vingli, Festuca rubra L.) ið vaksið hevur ymsastaðni í Føroyum: A chromosomal investigation of red fescue, Festuca rubra L., from different localities in the Faeroes

Abstract

Chromosome numbers were determined in plant material of the species group Festuca rubra L. (red fescue) collected from 5 geographically different locations of the Faeroes. Each locality represented a plant group, and approx. 100 chromosome counts were made in each group. In 2 of the groups a chromosome number of 2n = 84 was found, and it was considered probable, also on the basis of botanical features, that these groups represented Festuca rubra L. f. arenaria Osbeck, possibly an autotetraploid
form or a natural hybrid. A chromosome number of 2n = 42 showed the 3 other groups to be Festuca rubra L. f. fraterculae R. Rasm., a grass which is chiefly found growing in the mountain nesting sites of puffins, Fratercula arctica. Numerous and variable intermediate types would indicate that a natural hybridization occurs, probably between these two grasses.