Leaves generally basal and cauline, alternate, generally simple; stipules 0
Inflorescence: generally raceme
Flower bisexual; sepals 4, free; petals (0)4, free, generally white or yellow, often clawed; stamens generally (2,4)6, generally 4 long, 2 short; ovary 1, superior, chambers generally 2, septum membranous, connecting 2 parietal placentas, style 1, stigma simple or 2-lobed
Fruit: generally capsule ("silique") with 2 deciduous valves, sometimes breaking transversely or indehiscent
Seeds 1–many per chamber
Genera in family: 300+ genera, 3000+ species: worldwide, especially cool regions; some cultivated for food (especially Brassica, Raphanus ) and ornamental
Recent taxonomic note: Recently treated to include Capparaceae [Rodman et al. 1993 Ann Missouri Bot Gard 80:686–699; Rollins 1993 Cruciferae of Continental North America. Stanford Univ Press]
Family description, key to genera by Robert A. Price.
STREPTANTHELLA
Species in genus: 1 sp
Etymology: (Latin: small Streptanthus )
| Native |
S. longirostris (S. Watson) Rydb.
Annual, generally glaucous; hairs 0 or below, sparse, minute, simple
Stem generally 1; branches many, rarely 0
Leaves: basal, lower cauline (2)3–6 cm, narrowly oblanceolate, wavy-margined, entire to dentate, rarely lobed; upper cauline ± linear, clasping stem or not, generally entire
Flower: sepals 2–3 mm, upper surface greenish to purple, lower surface white; petals 3–4 mm, narrowly spoon-shaped, white to yellowish with purple veins, blades wavy; anthers < 1 mm, generally ± exserted
Fruit pendent, 35–45 mm, ± 1.5 mm wide, linear, flat parallel to septum; pedicel downcurved to reflexed, 1.5–3 mm; valves ± 3.5 mm, narrowed to a beak-like, indehiscent tip; style ± 0
Seed flat; wing narrow; embryonic root at back of 1 cotyledon
Chromosomes: 2n=28
Ecology: Common. Sandy soils, desert scrub, woodland
Elevation: < 2000 m.
Bioregional distribution: s San Joaquin Valley, Inner South Coast Ranges, Southwestern California, White and Inyo Mountains, Desert
Distribution outside California: to Washington, Colorado, New Mexico, Baja California
Flowering time: Mar–May
Synonyms: var. derelicta Howell
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