| 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 |
Herb, shrub, often armed; caudex present or not
Stem branched; nodes often angled, swollen
Leaves 1-compound, opposite; stipules persistent or deciduous; leaflets entire
Inflorescence: flowers 1–2 in axils
Flower bisexual; sepals 5, free, persistent or deciduous; petals 5, free, generally spreading, sometimes twisted and appearing propeller-like; stamens 10, sometimes appendaged on inside base; ovary superior, chambers 5–10, ovules 1–several per chamber, placentas axile
Fruit: capsule or splitting into 5–10 nutlets
Genera in family: 26 genera, ± 250 species: widespread especially in warm, dry regions; some cultivated (Guaiacum, lignum vitae; Peganum, harmal (NOXIOUS and illegal); Tribulus, caltrop (pernicious)). Peganum harmala L. has been reported as a pernicious weed near Daggett, San Bernardino Co
Reference: [Porter 1972 J Arnold Arbor 53:531–552]
Annual, unarmed
Stem spreading radially, prostrate to ascending, < 1 m
Leaf even-1-pinnate; stipules narrow, green
Inflorescence: flowers solitary in axils
Flower: sepals deciduous or persistent; petals yellow to orange, withering but not deciduous
Fruit 10-lobed, splitting into 10 tubercled nutlets; style persistent; peduncle reflexed
Seed 1 per chamber
Species in genus: 17 species: warm and tropical Am
Etymology: (A. Kallstroem, obscure contemporary of Scopoli, author of genus)
Reference: [Porter 1969 Contr Gray Herb 198:41–153]
| Native |
Stem prostrate to decumbent, < 0.7 m, glabrous to strigose
Leaf: stipules 1.5–5 mm; leaflets 6–12
Flower: peduncle < subtending leaf; sepals deciduous; petals 3–5 mm, yellow
Fruit ovoid; body > style, 3–5 mm wide
Ecology: Flat, sandy or disturbed areas
Elevation: 0–600 m.
Bioregional distribution: Desert
Distribution outside California: to Texas, Mexico
Flowering time: Aug–Oct