Nectouxia formosa
Nov. Gen. Sp. 3(fol.): 8; 3(qto.): 11; plate 193. 1818.
Rhizomes elongate. Stems to 4[–7] dm; first above-ground sympodium terminating after 5–11[–14] spirally arranged leaves, subsequent sympodia with 1 or 2 leaves, largest of these distal sympodia to 8 cm × 4 mm; vegetative parts ± glandular-puberulent throughout, hairs erect [appressed], fetid-smelling. Leaves: blade widely to narrowly ovate, largest 1–8[–9.5] × 0.6–5.5[–6] cm (smaller toward tips and base of plant), base truncate or cordate [rounded], sometimes unequal, apex acute [acuminate]. Flowering pedicels ascending to curved, 2–20[–33] mm, shorter than calyx. Flowers: calyx densely hairy, tube 1–3 × [1.7–]2–3 mm, lobes [5–]6–13[–22] × 0.5–1[–1.5] mm; corolla glabrate, tube 8–25[–30] × [2–]2.5–4[–5] mm, limb reflexed at maturity, lobes [3–]5–14[–23] × 2–6[–14] mm, corona [1–]1.5–2.5 × 2–2.5[–4] mm; filaments [0–]1–2 mm, filiform; anthers yellow, 3[–4] mm; nectariferous disc present; ovary conic to narrowly oblong, 2–3.5[–4] mm; style often kinked near middle, sometimes exserted to 3 mm beyond corona, 15–22[–28] mm. Berries 15–30 × 6–9 mm. Seeds 10–25 per fruit, tan, round to oval, flattened, 2–2.5 × 1.5–2 mm, minutely pitted.
Phenology: Flowering late spring–early fall.
Habitat: Rocky slopes, sometimes pinyon pine forest understory.
Elevation: 2100–2300 m.
Discussion
In the flora area, Nectouxia formosa is known only from Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park. Its distribution extends to southern Mexico. In Mexico, it has often been collected in disturbed areas such as pastures, roadsides, and cultivated fields.
The fruits have been reported to be edible (J. W. Harshberger 1898). Reports that Nectouxia formosa is annual in Texas are erroneous. The chromosome number is unknown.
Selected References
None.