TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL (1993) |
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©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
For up-to-date information about California vascular plants, visit the Jepson eFlora. |
AND IS MAINTAINED FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY |
Perennial, shrub, tree, glabrous or hairy
Stem often forked
Leaves opposite, sessile or petioled, pairs generally unequal; blade generally entire
Inflorescence generally forked; of spikes, clusters, or umbels, each unit sometimes with a calyx-like involucre
Flower bisexual, radial; perianth of 1 whorl, petal-like, bell- to trumpet-shaped, base hardened, tightly surrounding ovary in fruit, lobes 45, generally notched to ± bilateral; stamens 1many; ovary superior (appearing inferior because of hardened perianth base), style 1
Fruit: achene or nut, smooth, wrinkled, or ribbed
Genera in family: 30 genera, 300 species: warm regions, especially Am; some ornamental (Bougainvillea ; Mirabilis , four o'clock).
Annual, perennial herb
Stem prostrate to erect; internode often with sticky area
Leaf petioled; blade 16 cm, paler beneath, often brown-dotted
Inflorescence openly branched; unit a raceme, umbel, or head; bracts 13, free, not forming an involucre
Flower: perianth < 30 mm, bell-shaped, closing by afternoon; stamens 15; stigma ± spheric, generally exserted
Fruit < 3.5 mm, club-shaped; ridges 45; wings 0
Species in genus: ± 30 species: warm regions. B. spicata Choisy (fruit ribs narrow, acute) is widespread in sw US, expected as agricultural weed near Mex border
Etymology: (H. Boerhaave, Dutch botanist, 16681738)
Native |
Annual
Stem branched from base, ascending to erect, < 6 dm, slender, puberulent
Leaf: blade narrowly lanceolate to oblong, obtuse to acute
Inflorescence openly branched; peduncle 26 cm, slender; flowers 12
Flower 11.3 mm; perianth white to pale pink
Fruit 22.5 mm, glabrous; coarsely wrinkled between 35 wide, smooth, sharp ribs; tip truncate
Ecology: Sandy or rocky areas
Elevation: < 1600 m.
Bioregional distribution: e Peninsular Ranges (n base Santa Rosa Mtns), Desert Mountains (Little San Bernardino Mtns), Sonoran Desert
Distribution outside California: w Arizona, nw Mexico
Flowering time: SepDec