Solidago ayuhwasi M. Brock & D. Estes, 2023

Weakley, Alan S., Kees, John C., Sorrie, Bruce A., Ward, Scott G., Poindexter, Derick B., Brock, Mason, Estes, L. Dwayne, Bridges, Edwin L., Orzell, Steve L., Levin, Geoffrey A., McClelland, R. Kevan Schoonover, Schmidt, Ryan J. & Namestnik, Scott A., 2023, Studies In The Vascular Flora Of The Southeastern United States. Ix, Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas 17 (1), pp. 191-257 : 193

Solidago ayuhwasi M. Brock & D. Estes , sp. nov. ( Figs. 1–3 ). TYPE: U.S.A. TENNESSEE. Polk Co.: Cherokee National Forest, Hiwassee River , River mile 58 on the Hiwassee River , 35.176900, -84.381800, crevices of rock outcrops in the scour zone within the Hiwassee River channel,growing with Pityopsis ruthii , 25 Sep 2014, A. Dattilo s.n. (HOLOTYPE: APSC) .

Diagnosis.— Solidago ayuhwasi appears most morphologically similar to S. arenicola , S. plumosa , and S. racemosa but differs as follows: from S.arenicola in its shorter involucres, more densely arranged heads,and densely hispid-puberulent inflorescence axis (with the pubescence of S. arenicola being sparser and scabrid);from S. plumosa in its broader basal leaves and hispid-puberulent inflorescence axis (with S. plumosa being glabrous); and from S. racemosa in its glabrous achenes, hispid-puberulent inflorescence axis (as opposed to scabrid), smaller involucres,and more densely arranged heads.

Description.— Perennial, 3–15 cm, from stout rhizome with caudex-like branches. Stems erect, single or in tight clusters; glabrous proximally, becoming hispid-puberulent distally especially near inflorescence; green or maroon-tinged. Basal and proximal cauline leaves with long tapering petioles, oblanceolate to broadly lanceolate, 3–18 × 0.5–3.5 cm, margins distally serrulate, apices acute, blades and margins glabrous; mid stem and distal cauline with short, strongly winged petioles scarcely discernible from leaf blade, elliptic to linear, up to 14 × 2 cm and gradually tapering in size distally, serrulate to nearly entire, acute, blades and margins glabrous.Inflorescence a cylindrical paniculate raceme of heads, with short-erect side branches and leafy bracts, (5)18–30× 2–7 cm; branches 1–4 cm long with 6–15 heads per 3 cm of length; axis and branches with hispid-puberulent arching hairs. Involucres around 3–4 mm long, campanulate on short peduncles; phyllaries strongly unequal, in 3–5 series, with prominent central stripe, median phyllaries 2.2 × 0.8 mm. Ray flowers 3–4, 5.0– 5.6 mm; limb 2.4–3.0 mm; claw 1.5–2.6 mm. Disc flowers 6–8, 3.2–4.8 mm, lobes 0.8 mm. Achenes

glabrous, ridged, 2.0– 2.8 mm; pappus 1.7–2.6 mm. Additional collections: TENNESSEE. Polk Co.: Phyllite boulders along Hiwassee River , ca. 5 mi E Reliance , 3 Oct 1978, Kral62761 ( VDB) ;

Phyllite ledges and island along Hiwassee River, ca. 5 mi E Reliance, 3 Oct 1978, Kral62768 ( NY, TENN); McFarland Quad.,along trail on N side of Hiawasee River above Apalachia Powerhouse, Cherokee National Forest, 18 Sep 1981 Fusiak s.n. ( NY) .

Figures

FIG. 1. Solidago ayuhWasi. Holotype,Datillos.n., (APSC).

FIG. 2. Detail of inflorescence axis,showing dense arching hairs.Holotype,Datillos.n.,(APSC).

FIG. 3. Solidago ayuhWasi. Detail of upper stem pubescence.Holotype,Datillos.n., (APSC).