Layia glandulosa (White Layia)
Credit: Neal Kramer
about the species
Layia glandulosa (white layia) is the most geographically widespread, obligately outcrossing species in the diverse, primarily Californian tarplant subtribe of the sunflower family, Compositae. In a subtribe famous for evolutionary radiations throughout the California Floristic Province, L. glandulosa is exceptional for occurring from coastal dunes to montane settings in the California Floristic Province as well as having a widespread distribution in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert. This spring-flowering annual can form expansive and colorful displays that attract a wide array of insect pollinators.
why species was selected
Layia glandulosa has been shown to include a diversity of evolutionary lineages that are eco-geographically and morphologically distinct. Although it occurs almost exclusively in sandy or gravelly soils, this species has given rise to a serpentine-endemic taxon, L. discoidea. Complete interfertility of these lineages has made this species complex especially valuable for studying the evolution of adaptations in the California flora.
