Question: I think that I have two different species of Eutrochium but I am having a difficult time identifying the species. …
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Question
I think that I have two different species of Eutrochium but I am having a difficult time identifying the species. Also on the gobotany key it mentions the # of flowers in the capitula. Having never heard this term, is it the smallest group of ray flowers on a stem (petiole?)
Answer
Dear reginar, the number of flowers in a capitulum is a very crucial character for identify the species of Eutrochium. This is assessed by taking one of the capitula (flower heads) and dissecting it, counting the number of flowers held within one involcre (i.e., one series of bracts that subtends the flower head). Without this information, it can be difficult to separate some specimens. Good luck.
