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rayless arnica
Scientific Name: Arnica discoidea
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Arnica discoidea: Rayless Arnica
Arnica discoidea, commonly known as rayless arnica, is a North American species belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arnica discoidea Benth.
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
- Synonyms:
- Arnica discoidea var. eradiata (A. Gray) Cronquist
- Arnica grayi
- Arnica parviflora
- Arnica parviflora ssp. alata
- Arnica alata Rydberg
- A. cordifolia Hooker var. eradiata A. Gray
- A. discoidea var. alata
- Related Species and Hybrids: Arnica x diversifolia Greene (pro sp.) amplexicaulis or mollis cordifolia or latifolia.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the western United States, specifically California, and also found outside of California.
- Grows in woodlands, forests, and chaparral.
- Generally found at medium-to-high montane elevations, but rarely reaches the alpine zone.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Arnica discoidea is a perennial herb.
- Arnica diversifolia is a perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
Distinguishing Features
- The key characteristic of rayless arnica is the lack of ray (ligulate) flowers in its flower heads, hence the common name.
- A similar species, Arnica parryi, also known as rayless arnica, has narrower leaves and nodding heads when in bud.
Ecological Role
- The flowers of Arnica diversifolia are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Apomictic
Further Information
- Oregon Flora Project: Provides information and images of Arnica discoidea.
- Discover Life: Offers details about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of rayless arnica.