var. or f.

[Dirk Albach]

Dear colleagues,

a colleague and I just discussed possible definitions of the ranks of
variety and forma. It is difficult to find exact definitions of these and
those that can be found are contradictory, especially as there seem to have
been different traditions in the Anglosaxon and the continental European
communities. This concerns especially the questions a) how to treat
single-allele mutants (e.g. flower color) and b) whether ecological
modifications should be recognized at the rank of forma or even variety. I
would be interested in your definitions – either published or personal
opinion.

Best regards,

Dirk

--
Dr. Dirk Albach
Institut für Spezielle Botanik
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Bentzelweg 9b
55099 Mainz

Tel.: +49 (0)6131 3923169
Fax.: +49 (0)6131 3923524