In response to Steven's email: Hi Steven, thank you for your comments. You are absolutely right! It is very much a possibility that both the Babiana and Geissorhiza are under selective pressure (perhaps by local pollinators or some aspect of their environment) that have caused the convergent evolution of both species to one optimal morphology. It is also possible (though unlikely), that there is some lateral gene flow between the two species meaning they have somehow swapped a gene or gene complex that determines flower color and/or morphology. To unravel exactly what's going on here would require hypothesis testing with a rigorous experimental design, something I would love to tackle in the future. In the meantime, I will be doing just such a study (at least a pilot study) with a renown pollination biologist next week regarding G. radians and the multiple similar species it cooccurs and coflowers with - so more on that in the coming weeks. And I share your conservation sentiment whole-heartedly. And would value a discussion on the pros and cons of collecting rare species. It is somewhat disturbing to pluck rare species, even Critically Endangered species as I have done recently, but I don't do it because I like to, I do it because it is required of me and because it ensures scientific integrity. One can't publish on the genetics of organisms like Geissorhiza without having proof that the genetic data they're using in their paper belongs to the species they say it does, otherwise it would be very easy to make up, misrepresent, or misinterpret data. This is why, for every species I include in the family tree I am generating and will eventually publish for Geissorhiza, I need to have a voucher specimen lodged in an herbarium somewhere that proves that is the species I was talking about and if my analysis ever comes into question may be referenced to confirm or dispute my findings. Geissorhizas are really hard to identify and, although I am a large proponent of photography, many characters that are important for identification are very difficult to photograph so voucher specimens are very important to ensure the accuracy and integrity of my work. Having said this, I do take as few specimens as possible, and never more than the 4 I am allowed in accordance with my collecting permit. I think sacrificing a few to learn more about and raise awareness for the many is merited in this case, but again, I would value a discussion on the topic. Thanks again for the keen comments! Evan _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…