Lychnis coronaria (Caryophyllaceae) naturalised in Argentina

Abstract

Lychnis is a genus of native herbs from Eurasia, Northern and Eastern Africa. Many species are cultivated as ornamentals in Argentina, among them L. coronaria. In this paper the presence of a naturalised population of L. coronaria is reported for the first time for Argentina. Specimens were collected in the Azul hills, Tandilia System, Buenos Aires province. A description of the morphology of the species and habitat, a map of the collection site, and a germination test based on collected seeds are provided. A key to differentiate Lychnis from its relative genera in Argentina is also provided.