Hilliardiella hirsuta (DC.) H. Rob.

Swelankomo, N., Manning, J. C. & Magee, A. R., 2016, The genus Hilliardiella (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) in southern Africa *, South African Journal of Botany 106, pp. 41-59 : 42-45

1. Hilliardiella hirsuta (DC.) H. Rob. in Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 112: 230 (1999).

Webbia hirsuta DC., Prodr. 5: 73 (1836). Vernonia hirsuta (DC.) Sch. Bip. ex Walp., Rep. 2: 947 (1843); Harv. in Harv. & Sond., Fl. Cap. 3: 51 (1865); Wood, Natal Plants 4 (3): t. 335 (1906); Hilliard, Comp. Natal: 44 (1977); Pope in FZ 6 (1):106 (1992).

Type: South Africa, [KwaZulu-Natal], Port Natal, Apr. 1832, Drège 3778 (G-DC—microfiche!, lecto., designated here; P021982—image!, isolecto.). [Syntypes: South Africa, [Eastern Cape], Katrivierberg, Drège 3778 (G-DC—microfiche!; B [photo in PRE!]); [Eastern Cape], Tambukiland, Ecklon 725 (G-DC—microfiche!); Kaffraria, Ecklon 1318 (G-DC—microfiche!)].

Vernonia hirsuta var. obtusifolia Harv. in Harv. & Sond., Fl. Cap. 3: 52 (1865).

Syntypes: South Africa, [KwaZulu-Natal], Natal, Williamson s.n. (TCD, syn.); Gerrard & M ' Ken 343 (TCD, syn.).

Herbaceous perennial, 0.3–1.5 m tall, with erect, annual stems from a woody rootstock; stems sparsely or more densely leafy throughout, striate, gland-dotted and densely tomentose with shaggy, greyish white hairs; eglandular vestiture of short-stalked medifixed T-shaped or Y-shaped hairs, mixed in lower part of stem with scattered long-stalked hairs. Leaves sessile, decreasing in size above, lanceolate or oblong-elliptic to obovate, 25–80 × 10–50 mm, acute or acuminate, base cordate or sub-cordate, margins sub-entire or serrulate-crenulate, drying ± discolorous, upper surface gland-dotted and sparsely pilose, lower surface gland-dotted and densely woolly-tomentose with prominent reticulate venation, vestiture of short-stalked medifixed T-shaped or Y-shaped hairs. Capitula corymbose, sometimes congested and sub-capitate, 15- to 20-flowered. Involucre campanulate, 5–8 mm diam. when pressed; bracts ± 4-seriate, gland-dotted and pilose-tomentose, vestiture of medifixed T-shaped or Y-shaped hairs, outer two series subulate, 2 × 0.5 mm, inner two series oblong-elliptic, abruptly acuteapiculate or mucronate, with purple apices, 3–4 × 1–3 mm. Florets purple, occasionally white or pinkish, corolla 5–7 mm long, gland-dotted and with scattered, appressed hairs distally and on lobes, vestiture of subsessile medifixed T-shaped hairs, lobes 1.5–2.0 mm long. Anthers sagittate with triangular apical appendage. Style 3.5 mm long, branches 1.5–2.0 mm long. Cypselas sub-cylindric, 4- or 5-ribbed, 2.0– 2.5 mm long, densely sericeous and gland-dotted; pappus bi-seriate, outer scales 1–2 mm long, inner bristles 4–5 mm long, white. Flowering time: mainly August to December. ( Figs. 1E , 2A , 3A , 4A and 5 ).

Distribution and habitat: widespread through southern and south tropical Africa, from the highlands of Angola and eastern Zimbabwe into southern Africa, where it ranges from Messina and Polokwane in Limpopo through Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Swaziland, the eastern Free State, western Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal to Stutterheim and King William's Town in Eastern Cape ( Fig. 6 ), occurring in grassland and in scrub along forest margins, from near sea level to above 2500 m.

Diagnosis: recognised by its relatively broad leaves, mostly oblong-elliptic to broadly obovate with sub-cordate or cordate base ( Fig. 1F ), the upper surface sparsely pilose and the lower surface densely woolly-tomentose and prominently reticulately veined. The inner two series of involucral bracts are oblong-elliptic, 3–4 mm long and abruptly apiculate or shortly mucronate ( Fig. 2A ). Hilliardiella fl anaganii, with similar vestiture, is sympatric with H. hirsuta in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg but favours moister situation and is distinguished by the leaves cuneate or attenuate at the base ( Fig. 1G ) and the larger capitula with longer, lanceolate inner involucral bracts, 5–7 mm long, narrowing gradually to a long-acuminate, almost pungent apex ( Fig. 2B ).

Additional specimens seen:

Swaziland. 2630 (Carolina): near Sandlane Border Post on the road to Bhunya (–DB), 20 Nov 2002, Koekemoer 2528 (PRE). 2631 (Mbabane): Pigg's Peak District, Komati Bridge (–AA), 28 Oct 1958, Compton 28238 (NBG, PRE); St Peregrines (–AB), 21 Dec 1969, Barrett 426 (PRE); Hohho, road to Maphalaleni, 14 km from Nyokane (tar road) below Enkaba Trig beacon down into bushveld of dam site at Komati (–AB), 26 Jan 1994, Hobson 2122 (PRE); Mbabane (–AC), 20 Dec 1952, Compton 23755 (NBG); Ukutula (–AC), 10 Feb 1955, Compton 24903 (NBG, PRE); Nov 1955, Compton 25234 (NBG, PRE); Nduma (–AC), 19 Jan 1956, Compton 25389 (PRE); near Forbe's Reef (–AC), 22 Jan 1957, Compton 26511 (NBG, PRE); Komati Bridge (–AC), 22 May 1957, Compton 26937 (NBG); Komati Pass (–AC), 14 Nov 1961, Dlamini PH 31759 (PRE); near Dalriach (–AC), Jan 1906, Bolus PRE 520 (PRE); Mankaiana, Evelyn Baring Bridge (–CA), 25 Nov 1961, Compton 31097 (NBG, PRE); Malkerns (–CA), 19 Dec 1957, Compton 27384 (NBG, PRE); north of Mankaiana (–CA), 6 Nov 1949, Sidey 1929 (PRE).

Lesotho. 2828 (Bethlehem): Leribe (–CC), Dieterlen 373 (PRE, SAM); 2927 (Maseru): (–BB), Maseru, ha Khotso, 26 Dec 1973, Songca 44 (PRE); 2927 (–BD), St Michael's, Nov 1976, Schmitz 6925 (PRE).

South Africa. LIMPOPO. 2230 (Messina): Soutpansberg, Entabeni (–CC), Dec 1930, Obermeyer 894 (PRE); between Thompson's Sore and Lake Fundusi (–CD), 21 Dec 1928, Gillett 3125 (NBG). 2329 (Polokwane): Louis Trichardt (–BB), Dec 1922, Breijer TRV 24196 (PRE); Louis Trichardt, Minastone (–BB) Jan. 1921, Breijer TRV 22059 (PRE); Pietersburg, Modjadji (–CD), Dec 1915, Rogers 18022 (PRE); Haenertsburg (–DD), 20 Nov 1947, Sidey 1290 (PRE); 29 Jan 1954, Munro PS485 (PRE). 2330 (Tzaneen): Soutpansberg, Tshakoma (–AB), Nov 1931, Obermeyer TRV 30129 (PRE); Letaba District, Westfalia Estate (–CA), Feb 1960, Scheepers & Haasbroek PRE 41291 (PRE); Duiwelskloof, Westfalia (–CA), 24 Jan 1931, Nobsz 18 (PRE); 22 May 1958, Scheepers 326 (PRE); Magoebaskloof (–CC), Jan 1939, Papendorf 267 (PRE); New Woodbush Forestry Station (–CC), 28 Dec 1928, Gillett 3219 (NBG).

NORTH WEST. 2527 (Rustenburg): Rustenburg (–CA), 6 Oct 1910, Leendertz TRV 9663 (PRE); Rustenburg Nature Reserve (–CA), 13 Dec 2001, Koekemoer 2158 (PRE); Magaliesberg, Jacksonstuin (–DB), 3 Oct 1957, Van Vuuren 313 (PRE).

GAUTENG. 2528 (Pretoria): Pretoria, near Apies River (–AD), 4 Nov 1907, Leendertz TRV 3462 (PRE); 30 Nov 1908, Leendertz PRE 59280 (PRE); Van Riebeeck Nature Reserve (–BC), 10 Sep 1967, Kok 194 (PRE); Elands River (–CA), 12 Dec. 1962, Repton 5749 (PRE); Onderstepoort (– CA), Oct. 1956, Repton 4547 (PRE); Pretoria, Donkerpoort, on Bronkhorstspruit road (–CA), 18 Nov 1939, Young 2540 (PRE); The Willows (–CA), 3 Nov 1907, Burtt Davy 7105 (PRE); Waterkloof (–CC), 12 Nov 1928, Mogg 15856 (PRE). 2628 (Johannesburg): Johannesburg (–AA), Dec 1908, Leendertz TRV 6279 (PRE); Johannesburg (–AA), Nov 1898, Galpin 158 (PRE); East Rand, Benoni (–AB), 29 Nov 1934, Brad fi eld 210 (PRE); Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Blesboklaagte (–AC), 11 Nov 1972, Bredenkamp 854 (PRE); Heidelberg (–AD), 23 Nov 1909, Leendertz TRV 8099 (PRE); Heidelberg (–AD), Nov 1909, Leendertz 2539 (PRE).

MPUMALANGA. 2430 (Pilgrim's Rest): Graskop (–DD), Oct 1943, Holland s.n. (NBG). 2530 (Lydenburg): western Steenkampsberg, Boschhoek (–AB), 16 Nov 1933, Young A377 (PRE); Dullstroom, Suikerboskop (–AC), 22 Dec 1932, Galpin 13,152 (PRE); Mount Anderson, west of pass (–AC), Dec 1932, Smuts & Gillett 2447 (NBG); Sabie (–BB), Nov. 1915, Rogers 18600 (PRE). 2531 (Komatipoort): Bearded Man (–CB), 7 Nov 1970, Buitendag 761 (NBG); 12 Oct 1971, Buitendag 875 (PRE); Barberton, Umlomati Valley (–CC), Dec 1890, Galpin 1166 (NBG, SAM); Barberton (–CC), Nov 1931, Smith 7078 (PRE); Ida Doyer Nature Research, 38 km SE of Barberton (–CC), 7 Dec 1971, Muller 2042 (PRE). 2629 (Bethal): Ermelo District, Nooitgedacht (–BD), Nov 1926, Henrici 1195 (PRE); Ermelo (–DB), 25 Nov 1911, Tennant PRE 6963 (PRE). 2630 (Carolina): Carolina (–AA), 18 Nov 1909, Rademacher TRV 7500 (PRE). 2729 (Volksrust): Volksrust (–BD), Jan 1911, Jenkins TRV 9320 (PRE). 2730 (Vryheid): Wakkerstroom (–AC), Jan 1922, Van Dam TRV 24327 (PRE); Wakkerstroom, Oshoek (–AD), 15 Nov 1960, Devenish 231 (PRE); Piet Retief (–BB), Dec 1921, Leipoldt PRE 20354 (PRE).

FREE STATE. 2827 (Senekal): Ficksburg, Strathcona (–DD), 3 Jan. 1938, Fawkes 243 (NBG). 2828 (Bethlehem): Bethlehem (–AB), 3 Dec 1919, Phillips 3144 (PRE); Clarens (–CB), Nov 1917, Van Hoepen TRV 18127 (PRE); Golden Gate, valley below cave sandstone (–DA), 25 Dec 1983, Plowes 7051 (PRE). 2829 (Harrismith): Platberg near Harrismith (–AC), 9 Jan 1920, Putterill PRE 20351 (PRE); 2 Dec 1975, Jacobsz 3002 (PRE); Drakensberg Botanic Garden (–AC), 26 Nov 1979, Jacobsz 2234 (NBG); Swinburne, Rensburgskop (–AC), 4 Nov 1962, Jacobs 95 (PRE); Sterkfonteindam (–AC), 11 Dec 1985, Blom 336 (PRE); Seheletwane mountain (–AC), 12 Jan 1982, Jacobsz 3569 (PRE).

KWAZULU-NATAL. 2731 (Louwsburg): Ngome (–CD), 13 Dec 1969, Strey 9334 (PRE). 2829 (Harrismith): Bergville, Mont Aux Sources (–CB), 20 Feb 1926, Bayer & McClean 207 (PRE). 2830 (Dundee): Weenen, Griffin's Hills, 15 Oct 1844, Acocks 10685 (NBG). 283 1 (Nkandla): Umhlatuzi Lake Area, near Richards Bay Village (–CC), 28 Feb 1969, Venter 5322 (PRE); Eshowe (–CD), Sep 1921, Rogers 24466 (PRE). 2832 (Mtubatuba): Hluhluwe Game Reserve (–AA), 5 Nov 1971, Hitchins 589 (PRE); Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Amanzimnyama (–BB), 1 Nov 1905, Bourquin & Fakude 25 (PRE). 2929 (Underberg): Bergville District, Cathedral Peak Forest Catchment (–AB), 11 Jan 1951, Killick 1291 (PRE); Estcourt, Tabamhlope (–BB), 4 Jan 1938, West 625 (PRE); 1 Jan 1940, West 1585 (PRE); 2 Nov 1964, Downing 253 (PRE). 2930 (Pietermaritzburg): Lions River, Tweedie (–AC), 22 Nov 1918, Mogg 3488 (PRE); Nottingham Road (–AC), Mar 1939, McClean 898 (PRE); Greytown (–BA), Nov 1931, Wylie TRV 33890 (PRE); Pietermaritzburg, Town Hill (–CB), 30 Oct 1952, Compton 23720 (NBG); Pietermaritzburg, World's View (–CB), 20 Oct 1965, Moll 2627 (PRE); Cato Ridge (–DA), 23 Oct 1939, Fairall 25 (NBG); near Claremont (–DD), 15 Aug 1893, Schlechter 3095 (NBG, PRE); Durban District, Merebank (–DD), 25 Aug 1914, Wood 12716 (PRE). 2931 (Stanger): Mapumulo District, Thring's Post (–AA), 21 Sep 1965, Moll 2247 (PRE); Durban, Bluff (–CC), 14 Oct 1919, Wood 12454 (PRE); Port Natal [Durban] (–CC), 1840 Krauss 293 (PRE). 3029 (Kokstad): Mount Currie (–AD), 25 Nov 1930, Goossens 316 (PRE); 26 Jan 1957, Taylor 5566 (NBG); Weza Forest (–DA), 2 Jan 1957, Taylor 5319 (NBG). 3030 (Port Shepstone): Ixopo, Highflats, 7 miles [4.4 km] from Highflats-Umzinto (–AC), 23 Oct 1962, Strey 4423 (PRE); Alexandria Division, Dumisa Station, Ifafa (–AD), 13 Feb 1908, Rudatis 248 (PRE); Umkomaas (–BB), Sep 1905, Marloth 4305B (PRE); Pietermaritzburg, Allerton (– DA), 9 Oct 1918, Mogg 2175 (PRE).

EASTERN CAPE. 3028 (Matatiele): Thaba Chitja, Ongeluk's Nek (–AD), 7 Dec 1985, Hutchings & Hutchings 1935 (PRE); 5.2 miles [8.3 km] west– north-west of Matatiele (–BD), 20 Jan 1962, Acocks, 21942 (PRE). 3029 (Kokstad): 5 miles [8 km] from Bizana on road to Kokstad on slope of small hill (–DD), 22 Nov 1945, Story 618 (PRE). 3127 (Lady Frere): R56 ± 17 km out of Elliot to Ugie (–BD), 8 Nov 2000, Nienaber EN1012 (PRE). 3129 (Port St. Johns): Lusikisiki, Fraser's Falls (–BC), 25 Nov 1964, Bayliss 2532 (NBG); Mkambati (–BD), 9 Jul 1976, Venter 819 (PRE); Mkambati Game Reserve, adjacent to Gwegwe Forest east of airstrip (–BD), 3 Nov 1984, Shackleton 134 (PRE); Port St Johns (–DA), Nov 1909, Swinny & Baker TRV 14176 (PRE); Jan 1921, Schonland 4111 (PRE). 3130 (Port Edward): 5 km N of Umsamba (–AA), 16 Aug 1947, Taylor 2624 (NBG); 15 km from Port Edward on road to Bizana (–AA), 8 Jan 1982, Van Wyk 5350 (PRE). 3226 (Fort Beaufort): Katberg State Forest (–BC), 6 Jan 1927, Grant 3112 (PRE); Hogsback (–DB), 14 Dec 1940, Compton 939 (NBG); Hogsback State Forest (–DB), 25 Nov 1969, Dahlstrand 1805 (PRE). 3227 (Stutterheim): Keiskammahoek (–CA), Nov 1921, Stayner 38 (PRE); Komgha (–DB), Jan 1891, Flanagan 126 (SAM). 3228 (Butterworth): near Butterworth (–AC), 26 Oct 1952, Taylor 3652 (NBG); Kentani District (–AD), Nov 1903, Pegler 236 (PRE); Kentani, Manubie Forest (–AD), 26 Nov 1845, Compton 17724 (NBG); near Kei Mouth (–CB), 25 Nov 1845, Compton 17650 (NBG).

Figures

Fig. 1. Habit and morphology in southern African species of Hilliardiella. A.H. capensis flowering plant, Cathcart;B.H. aristata flowering plant, Kwelera; C.H.sutherlandii flowering plant, Johannesburg;D.H.elaeagnoides foliage,Bloemfontein;E.H.hirsuta flowering plant,Witsieshoek;F.H.hirsuta foliage,Swaziland;G,H.flanaganii foliage,Bergville.Photographs:A,B and E, J. Manning; C,A.Hankey; D, N.Berkel; F, K. Brauns; G, P. Warren.

Fig. 2. Capitulum morphology in southern African species of Hilliardiella. A.H.hirsuta (Liebenberg 3083, PRE);B.H.flanaganii showing long-acuminate involucral bracts (West 27, PRE);C. H.sutherlandii (Bester 8248, PRE); D.H.nudicaulis (Pegler 60, PRE);E.H.elaeagnoides (Jacobsen 1161, PRE);F.H.capensis (Moll 2363, PRE);G.H.aristata showing long-attenuate involucral bracts (Kluge 249, PRE).Scale bar = 5 mm.

Fig. 3. Cypsela morphology in southern African species of Hilliardiella (pappus mostly excluded). A. H. hirsuta (Steyn 842, PRE); B. H. flanaganii (Bolus sub Guthrie 4820, NBG); C. H. sutherlandii (Compton 31076, NBG); D. H. nudicaulis (Compton 23855, NBG); E. H. elaeagnoides (Müller 402, NBG); F.H. capensis (Anon, NBG183430, NBG); G. H. aristata (MarkÖtter s.n., NBG). Scale bar = 1 mm.

Fig.4. Eglandular stem trichome morphology in southern African species of Hilliardiella. A. H. hirsuta (Compton 24599, NBG), short-stalked medifixed Y-shaped trichome with arms longer than stalk; B. H. sutherlandii (Compton 31076, NBG), long-stalked asymmetrically Y-shaped trichome with arms shorter than stalk; C. H. aristata (Barker 7971, NBG), short-stalked medifixed T-shaped trichome with arms almost appressed to surface. Scale bar = 250 μm (0.25 mm).

Fig. 5. Hilliardiella hirsuta (Compton 24599, NBG).

Fig. 6. Distribution in southern Africa of Hilliardiella hirsuta.