32 Contributions from the Gray Herbarium 
P. leucophylla belongs as consisting of about half a dozen closely 
related and variable but usually readily definable species, notably, 
besides Torrey’s species, P. heterophylla, P. nemoralis and P. cali- 
fornica. In vivid contrast to this interpretation of the group _ 
stands Brand’s treatment which consists in the recognition of one 
species (P. magellanica). Twenty-three variants of this species 
are deemed worthy of names and are tabulated as ‘ formas,” 
fewer than sixteen of which are confined to North America. It is 
my candid opinion that Brand’s method of dealing with this com- 
plex group has been quite wrong. For instance, the relative 
importance of the numerous components of the group is lost sight 
of because each variant is regarded as a “ form ” of P. magellanica, 
regardless whether it differs from the typical state merely in the 
obviously superficial difference of stature or in some more funda- 
mental way, as in the quality of pubescence, or the development of | 
the calyx. Again, Brand has buried with this loss of all indication 
of the natural relationships within the group, nearly or quite all 
those niceties of range-distinctions which, interesting in themselves, 
often mean so much in the intelligent understanding of taxonomic - 
units. In short, whatever truth Brand may have won from nature 
in regard to this group of variable plants, he has failed to represent 
because of his method of classification, —an inutile method that 
leads nowhere since it is not subservient to a fundamental purpose 
of taxonomy. It is peculiarly unfortunate that the treatment of 
this group is so unsatisfactory since, because of its complexity and 
the great variability of the plants that compose it, it has been in 
greatest need of revision. Accordingly it has seemed desirable to 
prepare the following arrangement, which, whatever its defects 
may be, ameliorates, it is felt, the nearly chaotic condition in 
which the group was left by Brand. 
KEY TO THE SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF THE P. MAGELLANICA 
Group oF EUPHACELIA 
a. Basal leaves densely rosulate; mente is aoelly more or less 
cinereous with an appressed o in part spreading pu- 
cence b. 
b. Stamens pier a filaments en ee (except 
la); corolla 5-10 mm. lon 
c. Leaves outed ‘ auriculate in var. sap SA seri- 
ceous with a closely appressed pubescence d. 
