Rudbeckia Maxima

Summary Rudbeckia maxima Nutt. (Compositae: Heliantheae: Rudbeckiinae) is described and illustrated. Cultivation, propagation and availability notes are provided. The genus Rudbeckia is discussed, and the position of R. maxima commented on, as well as the somewhat unique key character (the reflectiveness of the leaves under UV light) that has been used to distinguish this and two other species. The relationships of Rudbeckia within the tribe Heliantheae are discussed, especially amongst the other coneflowers. The epappose nature of the achene is discussed. It is considered similar to the situation found in Echinacea tennesseensis : the achene is covered in a dark brown corky layer, over the black phytomelanin layer, and extends above the apex of the achene forming a cupule, within which the dilated base of the disc floret corolla sits.