Browallia eludens
Madroño 40: 214, figs. 1–3. 1993.
Stems 1–25 cm, slightly scabrous, eglandular. Leaves: petiole 2–5 mm; blade rhombic. Pedicels 0–10 mm. Flowers: calyx length 9/10 corolla tube; corolla creamy white to yellowish, with hairs enclosing mouth, 0.5–0.8 cm, limb reflexed. Seeds concave abaxially and convex adaxially, 1–1.3 mm, foveolate.
Phenology: Flowering Jul–Sep.
Habitat: Oak woodland-savanna.
Elevation: 1500–1800 m.
Distribution
Ariz., Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora).
Discussion
Browallia eludens is isolated geographically from the other species of Browallia and is known in the flora area only from Santa Cruz County.
Chloroplast phylogenies have placed Browallia eludens as more closely related to Streptosolen jamesonii (Bentham) Miers than to other (blue-flowered) Browallia (R. G. Olmstead and J. D. Palmer 1992; Olmstead et al. 2008). Occurrence of B. eludens in oak woodland-savanna is enigmatic when compared with other Browallia species; it is the only Browallia native to northwestern Mexico and the flora area. The reflexed corolla limb is unique in Browallia. Pollination may be by syrphid flies, especially species with nonretractable tubelike mouthparts, and, perhaps, by sphinx moths. The flowers are lightly scented. The plants are known to self-pollinate in drought conditions.
Selected References
None.