Vicia incisa (Fabaceae). Taxonomical and chorological notes

The classification of the Vicia sativa aggregate is unsatisfactory. Concerning the taxonomic value and choice of rank of some of these taxa, there are disagreements among botanists. Vicia incisa, which was originally described at species level, was mostly treated at subspecies rank of V. sativa. However, chemical and molecular data pointed out that this taxon, not only should be treated at species rank, but it should be removed from the group of V. sativa, being more related to V. barbazitae, V. grandiflora, and V. sepium. Based on morphometric measurements and cultivation tests, as well as nomenclatural investigations, the present research was carried out with the main aim to define the better taxonomic rank for the studied taxon. The results obtained support the published molecular data concerning both the recognition of the studied taxon at species level and the morphological similarity among V. incisa, V. barbazitae, V. grandiflora and V. sepium.