Malacothamnus jonesii
Introduction '''''Malacothamnus jonesii''''' is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family which has three varieties, two of which are sometimes recognized at the species rank as ''Malacothamnus gracilis'' and ''Malacothamnus niveus''. ''Malacothamnus jonesii'' is endemic to San Luis Obispo County, California and just over its northern and southern borders in Monterey and Santa Barbara counties.
Varieties Three varieties are recognized in ''Malacothamnus jonesii'': ''Malacothamnus jonesii'' var. ''jonesii'', ''Malacothamnus jonesii'' var. ''gracilis'', and ''Malacothamnus jonesii'' var. ''niveus''. The three varieties are mostly morphologically and geographically distinct but intergrade where their geographic ranges meet. These varieties together form a single clade in phylogenetic analyses. '''''Malacothamnus jonesii''''' '''var. ''' '''''jonesii''''' is known by the common name Jones’s bushmallow. It is distinguished from the other varieties by the combination of shorter calyx hairs and a spike-like inflorescence. '''''Malacothamnus jonesii''''' '''var. ''' '''''gracilis''''' is known by the common names Huasna bushmallow and slender bushmallow. It is distinguished from the other varieties by the combination of shorter calyx hairs and a panicle-like inflorescence. '''''Malacothamnus jonesii''''' '''var. ''' '''''niveus''''' is known by the common name fragrant-snow bushmallow. It is distinguished from the other varieties by its longer calyx hairs.
References
External links * Identification guide to ''Malacothamnus'' with maps and photos* Calphotos image gallery for ''Malacothamnus jonesii'' var. ''gracilis''* Calphotos image gallery for ''Malacothamnus jonesii'' var. ''jonesii''* Calphotos image gallery for ''Malacothamnus jonesii'' var. ''niveus''