Zornia bracteata J. F. Gmel., Syst. Nat.

Zornia bracteata J.F.Gmel., Syst. Nat. [ed. 13] 2 (2): 1096. 1791 [1792]. Figs 4E, 5, S 1 Type: UNITED STATES. Georgia: McDuffie County, 3 miles west of Marion, 7 July 1927, K. M. Wiegand & W. E. Manning 1624 [Neotype GH–00277013! designated by R.H. Mohlenbrock (1961)] Shrub to ca. 80 cm tall. Stems erect, branched, glabrous. Leaves with 4 leaflets, petiolate. Leaflets 12.8–25 × 3.6–8 mm, ovate to lanceolate, glabrous. Stipules lanceolate, 5–7 veined. Inflorescences spiciform, axillary, 10 cm long. Bracteoles 10 × 7 mm, lanceolate to ovate, 5–7 veined, punctate, glabrous, green. Loment with 2–6 articles; articles 2.5–3.5 × 2.4–3.5 mm, not reticulate-veined, bristle-like trichomes 1 mm long. Distribution and habitat: Mexico, United States. It occurs mainly in sandy soils of Temperate Grasslands. Conservation Status: Vulnerable (VU). Zornia bracteata is relatively widespread, occurring from northern Mexico to the southeastern United States. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 3,041,883.396 km ², while its area of occupancy (AOO) is only 268 km ². This suggests that the species has fragmented populations. Notes: Zornia bracteata is distinguished by the 4 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate and glabrous, and by its relatively large articles of the loment (up to 2.5–3.5 × 2.4–3.5 mm). Representative specimens examined: MEXICO. s.loc., s.d., Berlandier 2034 (P). UNITED STATES. Alabama: Ozark, s.d., Biltmore 4512f (NY); Florida: Hawthorn, s.d., Barnhart 2047 (NY); Georgia: West of Swainsboro, s.d., Duncan 9919A (GH); Mississippi: Bay St. Louis, s.d., Langlois 35 (NY); North Carolina: 6 miles South of Hallsboro, s.d., Wilbur 4189 (GH); South Carolina: 3 miles West of Marion, s.d., Wiegand & Manning 1624 (GH); Texas: Bastrop, s.d., Duval 37 (US); Virginia: Richmond, s.d., Fernald & Long 12381 (GH).