Stokesia laevis
Stokesia laevis (Hill) Greene
Original Published Description:
Common Names
Stokes' aster
Overview
Taxon Biology
Kingdom Plantae
Subkingdom Tracheobionta
Superdivision Spermatophyta
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Subclass Asteridae
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Tribe Vernonieae
Subfamily Tubiliflorae
Genus Stokesia
Species laevis
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General Description
Stokesia laevis was first described by John Hill in 1768 in Hortus Kewensis as Carthamus laevis. Then, in 1789, L'Heritier described the genus Stokesia, and Edward Greene renamed the species Stokesia laevis in 1893 in the journal Erythea.
It is the only species belonging to the genus Stokesia.
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Description
Diagnostic Description
"Stems tomentulose, glabrescent. Leaves: basal with petioles 3–12 cm, narrowly winged, blades 8–15 × 1–5 cm; cauline sessile, ± clasping, blades 5–12 × 1–3 cm. Involucres 25–45 × 25–45 mm. Phyllaries: outer 15–35+ mm, foliaceous portions elliptic to spatulate or linear, margins ± spiny, inner oblong to linear, 10–15+ mm, margins mostly entire, tips spiny. Corollas 15–25+ mm (outer) or 12–15+ mm (inner). Cypselae 5–8 mm; pappi 8–12 mm. 2n = 14."
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Cytology
Stokesia laevis was originally thought to have a chromosome number of n = 9. (Jones, 1968.) In a later paper, however, Jones revised the number to n = 7 following studies by Gunn and White, postulating that Stokesia and Vernonia may have shared a common genome in the past. (Jones, 1974.)
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Genetics
Genetic analysis of three generations of Stokesia laevis populations suggests that the flower color is controlled by at least three loci involved with the synthesis of anthocyanins, flavonoids and other pigments. (Barb, Werner & Griesbach. 2008.)
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Growth
Stokesia laevis has a medium growth rate.
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Palynology
According to Wodehouse, Stokesia laevis has echinolophate pollen with surface ridges and prominent spines. (Skvarla, DeVore & Chissoe, 2005.)
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Chemistry
Stokesia laevis contains epoxy fatty acids in its seed oil, contributing its economic and agricultural importance. (Kleiman, 1990.)
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Ecology and Distribution
Phenology
Flowers June to September
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Associations
Stokesia laevis attracts a variety of bees, flies, and butterflies, as well as a few species of bird.
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Distribution
Stokesia laevis is found in the southeastern United States. It grows from Louisiana east to the Atlantic coast, and south to the tip of Florida.
For more information, see the map provided by Flora of North America. (Strother, 2006.)
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Habitat
Open woodlands, coastal plains and bogs
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Life Cycle
Perennial
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Trophic Strategy
Autotroph
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Relevance
Uses
Stokesia laevis is used in gardens as an ornamental or an insect attractant. Its ability to produce epoxy fatty acids may be of economic importance in the future, especially as renewable sources are more sought after.
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Taxonomy
- Carthamus laevis Hill (basionym)
- Cartesia centauroides Cass. (synonym)
- Carthamus cyaneus Banks ex Steud. (synonym)
- Stokesia cyanea L'Hér. (synonym)