Erythranthe carsonensis
Aliso 30: 59, figs. 17–21. 2012.
Annuals, taprooted, densely compact. Stems erect, simple or branched from basal nodes, 2–7(–8) cm, minutely glandular, internodes shortened, not evident. Leaves cauline, basal not persistent; petiole 0 mm; blade palmately 3-veined (in broader ones), linear to spatulate, (3–)5–23 × 1–5 mm, base truncate to truncate-cordate, clasping, margins entire, apex acute to obtuse, surfaces minutely glandular. Flowers herkogamous, 1–35, from distal or medial to distal nodes. Fruiting pedicels (3–)5–14 mm. Fruiting calyces campanulate to widely urceolate, 4–7 mm, margins distinctly toothed or lobed, minutely glandular, ribs thickened, lobes pronounced, erect. Corollas yellow, palate red-dotted and 1 large central spot, bilaterally symmetric, strongly bilabiate; tube-throat cylindric, distinct from abruptly expanding throat, (5–)7–11 mm, exserted beyond calyx margin; limb expanded 7–12(–15) mm, each lobe 2-fid, palate densely bearded. Styles glabrous. Anthers included, glabrous. Capsules included, 3–6 mm.
Phenology: Flowering Mar–Jun.
Habitat: Openings in sage brush/bitterbrush scrub in sand of decomposed granite.
Elevation: 1400–1800 m.
Discussion
Erythranthe carsonensis is restricted to the Carson Valley, Eagle Valley, and Washoe Valley region of Nevada and adjacent California, with one known disjunct occurrence about 58 km to the north in Nevada. The species was previously included in the broader concept of E. montioides but can be distinguished by its much branched and compact habit, linear to spatulate leaves with clasping bases, calyx with glabrous margins, and larger corolla with one large red spot in the center. Erythranthe carsonensis has been impacted by agriculture, urbanization, and other anthropogenic changes.
Selected References
None.