What is Juncus bulbosus subsp kochii (Juncaceae) and does it really exist?: A taxonomic revision of bulbous rush subspecies

A taxonomic revision of Juncus bulbosus L. complex is given. A comparative analysis is presented of selected qualitative and quantitative characters for the identification of subspecies within the bulbous rush. As a result of extreme ecological variation/plasticity in the morphology of the species, only a few metric characters (of flowers and fruits) are useful for subspecies determination; non-metric characters are more applicable. In spite of some overlap of the morphological variation in the features, a detailed analysis of the variation patterns and instructions for reliable identification of both subspecies are given. An identification key is provided in the form of tables and, finally, as brief comparative descriptions. (c) 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 156, 501-512.