familyOrobanchaceae
genusCordylanthus
speciesCordylanthus rigidus
subspeciesCordylanthus rigidus subsp. littoralis
Cordylanthus rigidus subsp. littoralis
Syst. Bot. Monogr. 10: 42. 1986.
EndemicConservation concern
Basionym: Adenostegia littoralis Ferris Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 45: 413, plate 10, fig. 13, plate 12, fig. 1. 1918
Synonyms: Cordylanthus littoralis (Ferris) J. F. Macbride C. rigidus var. littoralis (Ferris) Jepson
Stems downy to puberulent, hairs soft. Spikes 5–8-flowered; proximal bracts 15–20 mm, equal to or longer than flowers, midlobes green or red distally, lanceolate, 1.5–2.5 mm wide, apex acute to retuse. Flowers: corolla 15–20 mm.
Phenology: Flowering Jul–Sep.
Habitat: Dunes.
Elevation: 0–200 m.
Discussion
Subspecies littoralis grows only in the coastal dunes of the central coast in Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. It intergrades with subsp. rigidus. It is not known if this subspecies is genetically distinct or if its distinguishing features are caused by the unusual habitat where the plants grow.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.