The taxonomic status of Gilia caespitosa (Polemoniaceae) [Utah]

The status of the rare Utah endemic, Gilia caespitosa A. Gray (Polemoniaceae) was evaluated with respect to morphological and chromosomal data. The possession of a concolorous corolla with included to barely exserted anthers, zonocolporate, reticulate pollen and a chromosome number of 2n = 16 are a combination of characters which suggest a relationship to G. subnuda A. Gray and allies within sect. Giliandra A. Gray. However, the possession of a perennial habit, multicipital caudex and graduated entire leaves characterize G. caespitosa as a distinct taxon.