Comparative Taxonomic Study of Launaea Cass. (Asteraceae, Cichorioideae) in Egypt

Launaea is a polymorphic genus with inter- and intraspecific inconsistencies. The study aimed to revise the classification identification of species in Egypt. also assess variation among taxa using macro- micromorphological characters. Numerical analysis was carried out on 156 specimens, which were collected from 63 sites results revealed that L. arabica, capitata, intybacea spinosa significantly (p-value < 2.2 × 10−16 ***) discriminated other at high dissimilarity level. acanthodes correctly identified as Lactuca orientalis. supported inclusion intybacea, massauensis nudicaulis within section Microrhynchus, separation angustifolia arabica two distinct species. Two biotypes morphologically differentiated. fragilis subsp. showed considerable plasticity variability various characters; therefore, tenuiloba considered be merely an ecotype fragilis. mucronata comprises subspecies; cassiniana mucronata, differentiated by their pappus type, conspicuous secondary ribs inner achenes, number spines polar area pollen grains.