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Chorizanthe orcuttiana (Polygonaceae): Comparative Vegetative Morphology with Two Co-Occurring Taxa and New Observations on its Phenology

Jaspreet Kaur, Jyotsna Sharma and Lisa Markovchick

Chorizanthe orcuttiana Parry is a federally listed endangered plant species that is endemic to southern California. Because of the diminutive size of the plants and their morphological similarity to other co-occurring species, especially in the earlier growth phases, in situ identification of this taxon can be challenging. Moreover, phenological progression in this taxon is not fully documented. We provide the first detailed account of: (1) morphological comparisons of C. orcuttiana with two co-occurring and similar looking taxa during the vegetative growth stage, and (2) the phenological development in C. orcuttiana. Our observations will assist botanists, biologists, and ecologists who must rely on the correct identification of the taxon in the early life stages. We also documented that anthesis in C. orcuttiana begins earlier than previously reported.