Phemeranthus validulus

Plants to 1.2 dm; roots elongate, woody. Stems spreading-ascending overall, sometimes basally decumbent, branching. Leaves sessile; blade terete, to 4.5 cm. Inflorescences cymose, slightly to much overtopping leaves; peduncle ± scapelike or not, to 6.5 cm. Flowers: sepals persistent, broadly lanceolate, to 4 mm, apex acuminate; petals white to purplish pink, paler at base, elliptic-ovate, to 9 mm; stamens (6–)7–18; stigma 1, subcapitate, sometimes 3-lobed. Capsules ovoid, strongly trigonous, 5–7 mm. Seeds without arcuate ridges, 1 mm.

Phenology: Flowering Jun–Sep.
Habitat: Woodland openings and bare slopes and summits in rocky soil on chert, basalt, and cinder
Elevation: 1800-2400 m

Ariz., N.Mex.

Discussion

The more recently described Phemeranthus thompsonii may be indistinct from P. validulus and perhaps should be merged with it.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa