Wild potatoes of series Circaeifolia (Solanun section Petota) in the Bolivian Andean region, a new evaluation of its distribution

Abstract

The Circaeifolia series species are only from Bolivia. They are species that have particular morphological characteristics different from any other within the Petota section. The taxa of the series Circaeifolia, Solanum circaeifolim, Solanum capsicibaccatum and Solanum soestii (recently grouped as Solanum stipuloideum Rusby) have been distinguished by morphological characteristics and molecular analysis, however, they are not completely elucidated. Until 1994, some taxa, S. circaeifolium and S. soestii, had been considered "rare" because of their restricted geographic distribution. However, with recent data a new situation can be inferred for these Circaeifolia species. S. soestii, may be considered "rare" because it is confined to its type of locality or have restricted geographic distribution; conversely, S. circaeifolium and S. capsicibaccatum have a greater known distribution until 1994. Besides, several factors, such as anthropogenic activities (forest plantation, urbanization and agriculture expansion) and others related to climate change, like drought and forest fires, are threatening their extinction.   Key words: Section petota, rare species, climate change.