The variability of reed [Phragmites australis [Cav.] Trin. ex Steud. [Poaceae]] populations expressed in morphological traits of panicles

Using a transect technique, each of 12 reed Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin ex Steud. populations collected in middle part of Odra River-basin, represented by more than 30 plants, were compared with 3 populations from other part of the country and 1 from France. Each panicle was examined according to 15 morphological traits. Results of measurements were subjected to multivariate analysis of variance, to analysis of canonical variables and used for construction of a minimum spanning tree (= dendrite) on the basis of the shortest Mahalanobis distances. The obtained results indicate that populations are generally similar. One population from France (Orleans) shows visible separateness. It may suggest that morphological traits of panicles may be useful in investigations of the reed P. australis populations of a larger geographical distribution.