A taxonomic revision of the Sempervivum davisii complex (Crassulaceae)

Abstract

A revision of four Sempervivum species (S. artvinense, S. brevipetalum, S. davisii and S. furseorum) based on field observation and examination of herbarium specimens (including the type specimens of all names) is presented. Examination of critical diagnostic characters showed that S. artvinense, S. brevipetalum and S. furseorum fall within the variability of S. davisii and should be subsumed as synonyms under this name. Sempervivum furseorum shows minor but consistent morphological and ecological differences as well as a disjunct distribution and is therefore treated as S. davisii ssp. furseorum. Moreover, an amended and expanded description of the species is presented, with notes on distribution, phenology and ecology.