Abstract Detail

Systematics

Taylor, Nathan [1].

Identity of the plants called Euphorbia golondrina (Euphorbiaceae), a rare species of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and adjacent Mexico.

Euphorbia golondrina L.C. Wheeler is a rare annual species originally described in 1940 from a specimen collected at Boquillas Canyon, Big Bend National Park, Texas. Since that time, numerous collections from areas near the Rio Grande in Trans-Pecos Texas, Coahuila, and Chihuahua have been collected and labeled as E. golondrina. Some of these have proven to be simple misidentifications of common species like E. theriaca var. spurca M.C. Jonst. or E. simulans (L.C. Wheeler) Warnock & M.C. Jonst. But upon close inspection, some of these morphotypes proved to be different from other described species of the region and plants from the type population of E. golondrina. The most remarkably different morphotype is the recently described species E. cryptorubra N.C. Taylor & M. Terry. In addition to this species, two other distinct morphotypes have been discovered. Determining the taxonomic identity of each is important to understanding the identity of E. golondrina itself. Even if all morphotypes were the same species, the species would be relatively restricted (only two counties in Texas). If all morphotypes taken as distinct taxa, all are rare and relatively or highly restricted within their respective ranges with E. cryptorubra probably being the most widespread. The differences between each morphotype and many of the other entire-leaved, glabrous annual species of the region will be explained.

1 - 2310 Hwy 180 E, Lamesa, TX, 79331, USA

Keywords:
Euphorbia
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia sect. Anisophyllum
Euphorbia golondrina
Trans-Pecos
Big Bend National Park.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 14, Systematics I: Basal Dicots, Monocots & Rosids
Location: Sundance 1/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 4:30 PM
Number: 14013
Abstract ID:98
Candidate for Awards:None