preliminary study of a polyspecies complex in Viola

A polyspecies complex including six Viola species and several hybrid forms was found in Poole Knobs Recreation Area, LaVergne (Rutherford County), Tennessee. A total of seven contiguous colonies was located, including approximately 200 individuals, a number of which were considered hybrids based on exomorphology. Species involved were V. palmata, V. missouriensis, V. sororia, V. triloba, V. hirsutula, all acaulescent blue violets, and V. pubescens, a caulescent yellow violet. Most hybrids appeared fertile except for one, and two possibilities as to its origin are presented. A considerable range extension for V. palmata is noted. This group represents one of the largest arrays of violets occurring sympatrically reported to date.