Sicyosperma gracile
Smithsonian Contr. Knowl. 5(6): 62. 1853.
Leaf blades 2–7 cm wide, lobe apex rounded to acute. Inflorescences: each flower loosely enclosed within 2 bracts; peduncle hispid, hairs retrorsely curved. Flowers: petals apically 2-fid, corolla 2–3 mm diam. Pepos 4–5 mm, loosely enclosed by persistent bracts.
Phenology: Flowering Aug–Oct(–Nov).
Habitat: North slopes, cliff bases, canyon bottoms, stream sides, riparian scrub, willow-ash, cottonwood-willow, hackberry-acacia, oak woodlands
Elevation: 1000–1700 m
Distribution
Ariz., N.Mex., Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora).
Discussion
Sicyosperma gracile is recognized by its annual duration, minute salverform corollas with white, apically bifid petals, each flower enclosed within a pair of basally cordate bracts, and relatively small, 1-seeded, dry, indehiscent, unarmed pepos loosely enclosed by bracts. Specimens sometimes show only staminate inflorescences, but apparently this is an artifact of collection rather than an indication that the plant is unisexual.
Selected References
None.