Authority:

Luteyn, James L., et al. 1995. Ericaceae, Part II. The Superior-Ovaried Genera (Monotropoideae, Pyroloideae, Rhododendroideae, and Vaccinioideae P.P.). Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 66: 560. (Published by NYBG Press)

Family:

Ericaceae

Synonyms:

Kalmiella simulata Britton & P.Wilson, Kalmiella aggregata (Small) Copel.

Description:

Variety Description - Stem ± densely covered with unicellular hairs, with sparse to dense covering of glandular-headed hairs and often with long-celled hairs. Leaves (3-) 3.5-14 × 0.5-3(-4) mm; adaxial surface lacking to densely covered with unicellular hairs throughout, with sparse to dense covering of glandular-headed hairs and sometimes a few long-celled hairs. Pedicels very sparsely to densely covered with unicellular hairs, variable in length, thus giving the inflorescence a compact to open appearance. Flowers with calyx lobes 3-6 mm long; abaxial surface moderately to densely (or occasionally only sparsely) covered with unicellular hairs throughout, with a sparse to dense covering of glandular-headed hairs, often also with long-celled hairs. Capsules with or without unicellular hairs.

Discussion:

The overall diversity in the Cuban populations of Kalmia is comparable to that exhibited by many North American species of the genus (see Ebinger, 1974). The three described Cuban species differ only in a few indumentum characters, slight (and not too consistent) differences in leaf and calyx lobe length, and inflorescence structure (Judd, 1983). Thus, all the Cuban populations of Kalmia are considered as a single species, i.e., Kalmia ericoides. Within this assemblage the plants of the Isle of Pines differ consistently from those of western Cuba in that their young stems are ± densely covered with unicellular hairs (vs. lacking to very sparsely covered with such hairs). Slight but fairly consistent differences in indumentum were also found on the pedicels, calyx lobes, and adaxial leaf surfaces (see key and Judd, 1983). Thus, the species is considered to be composed of two geographical varieties, as indicated above.

Kalmia ericoides is most closely related to K. hirsuta Walter, a species restricted to the southeastern United States. The two are easily separated since the leaves of K. ericoides are coriaceous with strongly revolute margins while in K. hirsuta the leaves are thinner with only slightly revolute margins. In addition, the flowers are scattered along the stem in leaf axils in K. hirsuta, but are clustered toward the ends of the stems in K. ericoides (pers, observs.; see also Ebinger, 1974).

Distribution:

Cuba South America| Isla de Piños Cuba South America|