Sanvitalia speciosa in the horticultural trade: uknown origin, uncertain identity but no Sanvitalia

Abstract

Sanvitalia speciosa is a widespread but apparently invalid name used in the horticultural trade for a delicate plant of unknown origin which was introduced to cultivation nineteen years ago. A number of morphological characters on this is uncommon in the subtribe Zinniinae and suggest that the plant really belongs to the genus Melampodium. In the genus Melampodium, the cultivated plants obviously belongs to the section Rhizomaria, but their identity remain uncertain: the plants seem to be close to M. montanum BENTH. but a number of characters that are unusual in this species has been recorded.

Keywords

• <i>Melampodium</i>
• Sanvitalia of gardens
• varieties
• taxonomy