Pityopsis graminifolia var. aequilifolia Bowers & Semple is a central Florida endemic that is diploid (2n=18). It is distinguished by large, ovate mid to upper stem leaves and small basal leaves for the species. See Semple (2006 FNA). The race has been treated as a separate species Pityopsis aequilifolia(Bowers & Semple) Bridges & Orzell (2018) and by Nesom (2019). This is one of those lumper vs. splitter situations.
Bridges, E.L. and S.L. Orzell. 2018. Reassessment of Pityopsis section Graminifoliae (Small) Semple in peninsular Florida. Pp. 29–32, in Weakley et al. Combinations, rank changes, and nomenclatural and taxonomic comments in the vascular flora of the southeastern United States. III. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 12: 27–67.
Nesom, G.L. 2019. Taxonomic synopsis of Pityopsis (Asteraceae). Phytoneuron 2019-1: 1–31.
Last revised 20 April 2025 by J.C. Semple
© 2025 J.C. Semple, including all photographs unless otherwise indicated
1-2. Pityopsis graminifolia var. aequilifolia. 1. Habitat and habit, Martin Co., Florida. 2-3. Habit and stem leaves, Semple 10908, Marion Co., Florida. 4. Fruit, Semple et al. 3992, Marion Co., Florida.