Hilliardiella capensis (Houtt.) H.Rob. et al.

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 : 54-56

6. Hilliardiella capensis (Houtt.) H.Rob. et al. in Phytologia 60: 87 (2016).

Erigeron capense Houtt., Nat. Hist., Deel [Part] 2, 10: 629 (1779). Cacalia capensis (Houtt.) O.Kuntze, Rev. Gen. 3: 138 (1898). Vernonia capensis (Houtt.) Druce in Rep. Bot. Exch. Cl. Brit. Is. 1916: 651 (1916); Hilliard, Comp. Natal: 41 (1977).

Type: Illustration in Houttyn, Nat. Hist. Deel [Part] 2, 10: t. 69, f. 2 (1779)

Conyza canescens L.f., Suppl.: 367 (1781). Conyza pinifolia Lam., Encycl. 2: 86 (1786), nom. illeg. superfl. Vernonia pinifolia Less. in Linnaea 4: 257 (1829), as nom. nov. pro C. canescens L.f. [non V. canescens Kunth (1820) ]; Harv. in Harv. & Sond., Fl. Cap. 3: 51 (1865). Webbia pinifolia DC., Prodr. 5: 72 (1836), nom. illeg. superfl.; Hilliardiella pinifolia H.Rob. [as (Less.) H.Rob.] in Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 112: 230 (1999), nom. illeg. superfl.

Type: South Africa, Cape, Thunberg 334 (LINN993.7, holo.—digital image!; UPS-THUNB19376—microfiche!,? iso.).

Vernonia pinifolia var. glabrata Harv. in Harv. & Sond., Fl. Cap. 3: 51 (1865), syn. nov.

Type: South Africa, [Eastern Cape], Howieson's Poort, Hutton s.n. (TCD, holo.).

[Note: Lamarck (1786) cited Conyza canescens L.f. (1781) as an earlier name for his Conyza pinifolia Lam.(1786) , thereby rendering the latter an illegitimate, superfluous name (ICBN Art. 52). Later combinations of the epithet are to be ascribed solely to the relevant authors. The later publication of the binomial Vernonia pinifolia by Hilliard and Burtt (1985) is, however, treated as a new name in Vernonia for C. canescens L.f. [cited by him in synonomy] since the transfer of the latter was by then precluded by the publication of the heterotypic V. canescens Kunth (1820) . We are unable, however, to explain Robinson's (1999) selection of Vernonia pinifolia Less. (1829) for transfer to the genus Hilliardiella over the earlier name Erigeron capense Houtt. (1779) but this was subsequently corrected by Robinson et al. (2016).]

Herbaceous perennial, 0.2–1.0 m tall, with erect annual stems from woody rootstock; stem simple or rarely branched, closely leafy, striate, moderately to densely appressed silvery-silky and gland-dotted; eglandular vestiture of medifixed T-shaped hairs. Leaves sessile or subsessile, usually with small axillary tufts, linear to linear-oblanceolate, more than twice as long as broad, 30–70 × 1–3 (–4) mm, acute or mucronate, tapering to base, margins revolute, discolorous, upper surface thinly silky or glabrescent and gland-dotted, lower surface gland-dotted and densely silvery-silky with prominently raised midrib, eglandular hairs medifixed T-shaped; petiole up to 1 mm long. Capitula corymbose, corymbs sometimes large and compounded with long lower branches, 15- to 20-flowered. Involucre campanulate, 5–10 mm diam. when pressed; bracts ± 4-seriate, gland-dotted and silk -tomentose, purplish at tips, eglandular hairs medifixed T-shaped, outer two series subulate, 1–2 × 0.5 mm, inner two series oblong-lanceolate, apiculate or ± abruptly contracted to mucronate tip, 5–6 × 1.0– 1.5 m. Florets purple, corolla 4.5–7.0 mm long, gland-dotted and with appressed hairs on upper part and lobes, hairs medifixed T-shaped, lobes 1.5–2.0 mm long. Anthers sagittate with linear-oblong apical appendages. Style 3 mm long, branches 2 mm long. Cypselas sub-cylindric, 4- or 5-ribbed, 1.5–2.5 mm long, gland-dotted and sericeous; pappus biseriate, outer scales 1–2 mm long, inner bristles 4–6 mm long, whitish. Flowering time: mainly August to December. ( Figs. 2F , 3F and 15 ).

Distribution and habitat: widely distributed through east-tropical Africa and the eastern parts of southern Africa, from Pilgrim's Rest in Mpumalanga through western Swaziland, eastern Free State and adjacent Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape as far south and west as Mossel Bay and Heidelberg in Western Cape ( Fig. 16 ), occurring in large colonies in open grassland, from near sea level to 2100 m.

Diagnosis: among the three species of Hilliardiella with silvery-silky vestiture, H. capensis is distinguished by its narrow, linear to linear-lanceolate leaves, 1–3 (–4) mm wide with revolute margins, typically with axillary tufts, the blades discolorous with the upper surface thinly silky or glabrescent and the lower surface densely silvery-silky ( Fig. 1B ). Hilliardiella elaeagnoides has broader leaves, lanceolate to broadly ovate, 5–20 mm wide and mostly up to twice as long as broad, never with axillary tufts ( Fig. 1D ). Both species have similar capitula with the inner involucral bracts elliptic-lanceolate and more or less abruptly contracted to a mucronate tip ( Fig. 2E and F ). Hilliardiella aristata , with leaves varying from linear to elliptic or rarely obovate and with both surface densely silvery-silky ( Fig. 1B ), has long-acuminate or attenuate involucral bracts smoothly narrowed to a bristle-like tip ( Fig. 2G ). Intermediates among all three species are known (see also Hilliard, 1977: 42).

Additional specimens seen.

Swaziland. 2630 (Carolina): Manzini, SW of Mankayane, along road via Baxter to Sandlane Border Post (–DB), 21 Nov 2002, Koekemoer 2542 (PRE); Bhunya, 10 km from Nestron Border, on the roadside to Mbabane (–DB), 20 Nov 2002, Maserumule 34 (PRE). 2631 (Mbabane): Evelyn Baring Bridge (–AC), 6 Oct 1961, Compton 30789 (NBG, PRE); Mankaiana, (–CA), 14 Nov 1958, Compton 28341 (NBG, PRE). 2731 (Louwsburg): Shiselweni, outside Nhlangano, (–AA), 21 Nov 2002, Koekemoer 2574 (PRE); Shiselweni, Nkungwini, (–AB), 31 Oct 2002, Dlamini A2856 (PRE).

Lesotho. 2828 (Bethlehem): Leribe, (–CC), all summer, Dietelen 868 (PRE, SAM); without date, Phillips 613 (SAM). 2927 (Maseru): Roma, (–BC), 23 Dec 1967, Schmitz 372 (PRE); Morija, Makhoarane Mountain, (–DA), Dieterlen 626 (PRE); Ngakana Pass, (–DB), 7 Feb 1982, Schmitz 9402 (PRE). 3027 (Lady Grey): Quthing, (–BC), Dec 1976, Talukdar 7149 (PRE).

South Africa. MPUMALANGA. 2430 (Pilgrim's Rest): Mount Sheba Nature Reserve (–DC), Nov 1978, Kerfoot 8218 (PRE); Graskop; Stanley Bush Kop (–DD), 9 Dec 1986, Raal & Raal 1044 (PRE). 2729 (Volksrus): Volksrust (–BD), Jan 1912, Jenkins TRV 11036 (PRE). 2730 (Vryheid): R543 road from Dirkiesdorp to Piet Retief about 30 km to Piet Retief (–AB), 15 Nov 2004, Van Wyk & Nkuna 884 (PRE); Wakkerstroom, N of Dirkiesdorp on Roodekraal Farm (–AB), 14 Dec 1995, Balkwill 9482 (PRE); Piet Retief (–BB), Dec 1911, Jenkins TRV 10950 (PRE).

FREE STATE. 2926 (Bloemfontein): Thaba Nchu Mountain (–BB), 23 Jan 1963, Roberts 2353 (PRE); 12 Dec 1977, Peeters, Gericke & Burelli 318 (PRE). 3027 (Zastron): Zastron Dist, Kranskop (–AB), 6 Dec 1973, O ' Connor F103 (PRE); Zastron (–AC), without date, Stephansen s.n. (NBG).

KWAZULU-NATAL. 2731 (Louwsburg): Gluckstadt Mission (–CC), 9 Oct 1969, Strey 9111 (PRE). 2732 (Ubombo): Mkuze Game Reserve (–CA), 12 Oct 1960, Ward 3540 (PRE). 2829 (Harrismith): Bergville, Cathedral Peak Area, Inhlwasine River (–CC), 3 Dec 1952, Killick 1821 (PRE); Ladysmith (–DB), Nov 1906, Rogers TRV 2929 (PRE). 2830 (Dundee): Dundee (–BA), 22 Dec 1946, Codd 2379 (PRE); Muden, Town Lands Farm (–CD), Nov 1936, Wylie NH 27998 (PRE). 2832 (Mtubatuba): Hluhluwe Game Reserve (–AA), 7 July 1951, Johnson 51 (NBG); Charter's Creek, W of Fanies Island (–AB), 24 Nov 1955, Ward 2753 (PRE); 12 miles [19 km] S of Mtubatuba (–AC), 28 Nov 1964, Strey 5613 (PRE). 2929 (Underberg): Estcourt Pasture Research (–BA), 5 Nov 1943, Acocks 9857 (PRE); Estcourt, Tabamhlope Research Station (–BB), 12 Jan 1938, West 665 (PRE). 2930 (Pietermaritzburg): Oribi Aerodrome (–CB), 24 Sep 1965, Moll 2359 (PRE); Pietermaritzburg (–CB), Oct 1956, Sidey 3010 (PRE); Cato Ridge, (–DA), 24 Oct 1939, Fairall 51 (NBG). 2931 (Stanger): Inanda, Verulam, (–CA), 28 Jul 1965, Moll 1844 (PRE). 3029 (Kokstad): Clydesdale, (–BD), Nov 1884, Tyson 2071 (NBG, SAM); Kokstad, (–CB), Dec 1882, Tyson 1523 (PRE, SAM). 3030 (Port Shepstone): Umkomaas, (–BB), 9 Sep 1912, Wood 12511 (PRE); Izingolweni, Horseshoe Dam, (–CA), 2 Nov 1976, Nicholson 1624 (PRE); Port Shepstone, (–CB), Dec 1948, Martin s.n. (PRE).

EASTERN CAPE. 3126 (Queenstown): Queenstown, (–DD), 1934, Everett 71 (PRE); Queenstown, Berry Reservoir, (–DD), Jan 1920, Hilner 338 (PRE); Queenstown, Lesseyton, (–DD), Jan 1896, Galpin 1959 (PRE). 3128 (Umtata): 1 mile SE of Tsolo, (–BD), 17 Nov 1945, Story 427 (PRE). 3225 (Somerset East): Somerset East, Boschberg, (–DC), Dec 1886, MacOwan 735 (PRE). 3226 (Fort Beaufort): Stockenstroom, Katberg, (–BC), 1898 Sim 19823 (PRE). 3227 (Stutterheim): Henderson Heights (–AB), Jan 1943, Kemp s.n. (NBG); Thomas River (–AB), 15 Jan 1947, Compton 19304 (NBG); Fort Cunynghame (–AD), Nov 1894, Sim 1876 (PRE); 1897, Sim 20,099 (PRE); Jan 1924, Schonland 24 (PRE); Kabousie (–BD), 10 Dec 1902, Hutton 512 (PRE); Keiskammahoek, golf course (–CA), 13 Apr 1965, Wells 3135 (PRE); St John's (–CB), 6 Dec 1942, Acocks 9424 (PRE); Cathcart, Toise River (–DA), Jan 1925, Rattray 64 (PRE); Komga (–DB), Feb 1890, Flanagan 505 (PRE, SAM); 10 Jan 1895, Schlechter 1651 (PRE); 1 mile from Berlin on road to King William's Town (–DC), 5 Dec 1956, Comins 1616 (PRE). 3228 (Butterworth): Idutywa (–AB), 9 Feb 1929, Galpin 10917 (PRE); Kentani (–CB), Nov 1904, Pegler 680 (PRE, SAM). 3323 (Willowmore): Joubertina, Kouga-Dwarsrivier (–DD), 14 Jan 1976, Manson 230 (NBG). 3324 (Steytlerville): Baviaanskloof, Smithkraal-Enkeldoorn track (–CB), 12 Jan 1978, Bond 1332 (NBG); Kareedouw (–CD), 21 Dec 1933, Compton 4536 (NBG). 3325 (Port Elizabeth): Eland's River Forest Reserve (–CB), 21 Dec 1974, Boucher 2702 (NBG); Van Staden's Flower Reserve (–CC), 11 Jan 1971, Dahlstrand 2587 (NBG); Port Elizabeth (–DC), 31 Aug 1947, Rodin 1126 (PRE). 3326 (Grahamstown): Albany, West Hill (–BC), Apr 1930, Dyer 2402 (PRE); Grahamstown (–BC), Nov, Galpin 328 (PRE); Albany (–BC), 13 Dec 1911, Burtt Davy 11577 (PRE); Martindale, Spring Ridge (–BD), 24 Dec 1956, Taylor 5132 (NBG); Seymour (–DB), 7 Jan 1944, Barker 2924 (NBG). 3327 (Peddie): East London (–BB), Nov 1888, Thode 6606 (NBG); 26 Dec 1941, Barker 1167 (NBG); Bokelmann 59: 1 (NBG). 3424 (Humansdorp): Paradise Beach near Humansdorp (–BB), 30 Oct 1966, Bayliss 3686 (NBG).

WESTERN CAPE. 3320 (Montagu): Swellendam Dost., Strawberry Hill (–DD), Dec 1954, Stokoe SAM68626 (SAM). 3322 (Oudtshoorn): George (–CD), 11 Mar 1893, Schlechter 2317 (PRE); 13 Jan 1896, Guthrie 2862 (NBG); between George and Hoekwil (–DC), 4 Dec 1985, Goldblatt 7442 (PRE); Knysna, Portland (–DD), 13 Jan 1920, Duthie 526 (NBG). 3422 (Mossel Bay): Great Brak River Mouth, mountain slope (–AA), 12 Nov 1981, Parsons 435 (NBG). 3423 (Knysna): Knysna (–AA), 13 Jan 1920, Duthie 526 (SAM).

Figures

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. 15. Hilliardiella capensis (Compton 19304, NBG).

Fig. 16. Distribution in southern Africa of Hilliardiella capensis.

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.