Cistanthe ambigua
Phytologia 68: 269. 1990.
Illustrated
Basionym: Claytonia ambigua S. Watson Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 17: 365. 1882
Synonyms: Calandrinia ambigua (S. Watson) Howell
Plants annual, roots fleshy. Stems spreading to erect, 3–18 cm. Leaves cauline, not forming basal rosette; blade linear to spatulate, ± terete, 1.5–6 cm, not glaucous. Inflorescences paniculate with umbel-like clusters, dense, usually not exceeding leaves. Flowers pedicellate; sepals ovate, slightly unequal, 2–5 mm, herbaceous, margins white-scarious; petals disarticulate in fruit, 3–5, white, 2–5 mm; stamens 5–10, anther yellow; style present; stigmas 3; pedicel 1–3 mm. Capsules ovoid, 1–4 mm; valves 3. Seeds 6–15, black, ovoid, 1–2 mm, smooth, shiny, reticulate at 30×, not white-hairy.
Phenology: Flowering Nov–Feb.
Habitat: Sandy washes and slopes, desert shrub communities
Elevation: 0-500 m
Distribution
Ariz., Calif., Mexico.
Discussion
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.