Physalis macrophysa (Solanaceae: Physalinae: subgenus Rydbergis), its taxonomic disposition and relation to other material with large inflated fruiting calyces

Abstract

Examination of the lectotype and isotype material of Physalis macrophysa Rydb. show its compatibility with P. longifolia, having nearly glabrous, ovate-lanceolate to broadly lanceolate leaves, and the presence of short, simple antrorse hairs on the petioles and pedicels. Other than its large inflated fruiting calyces (3.0–4.0 cm × 2.5–3.0 cm), it has little in common morphologically with another large inflated calyced Physalis macrosperma which is endemic to deep sands from a portion of the West Gulf Coastal Plain of the United States. Instead, P. longifolia has stems and pedicles that are either nearly glabrous or with antrorse, appressed, non-glandular hair and ovate-lanceolate leaves versus short glandular and non-glandular, spreading, upright hair and cordate to truncate leaves in the aforementioned Physalis macrosperma. We agree with previous authors that P. macrophysa Rydb., if meriting taxonomic status, should be treated as P. longifolia var. subglabrata (Mack. & Bush) Cronquist forma macrophysa (Rydb.) Steyermark or, alternatively, it may simply represent variation within P. longifolia not deserving of any taxonomic status.