Argythamnia brandegeei var. intonsa
in L. D. Benson and R. A. Darrow, Trees & Shrubs Southw. Deserts, 394. 1954. (as brandegei)
Herbs or shrubs, perennial, monoecious, to 15 dm. Stems erect, sparsely hairy, sometimes glabrescent, hairs malpighiaceous. Leaves: stipules deciduous or sometimes persistent, subulate, 0.4–0.6 mm, margins not glandular; petiole 7–18 mm; blade elliptic to oblong, 4.5–9.6 × 0.9–2.9 cm, margins serrulate to serrate, without glands, surfaces sparsely hairy, sometimes glabrescent, hairs malpighiaceous. Inflorescences bisexual, 1.5–5.5 cm; bracts elliptic to ovate, 1.5–2.2 mm, margins without glands. Flowers without pink dye when wetted. Staminate flowers: sepals lanceolate, 4–6 × 0.8–1 mm; petals elliptic, 5–7 × 1.2–2.5 mm, adnate to androphore; nectary glands ovate to elliptic, 0.5–0.7 × 0.3–0.5 mm, adnate to or free from androphore, glabrous; stamens 10, staminodes 0–3, glabrous. Pistillate flowers: sepals lanceolate, 5.5–9 × 1.5–2.5 mm, without glands; petals 5, elliptic, lanceolate, or rhombic, 5–6 × 1.5–1.6 mm; nectary glands oblate, 0.7–1 × 0.9–1.3 mm, glabrous; ovary hispidulous; styles 2.4–4 mm, glabrous; stigmas flattened. Capsules 4.5–7 mm, hispidulous. Seeds 3–4 mm, smooth or rugose.
Phenology: Flowering year-round.
Habitat: Desert scrub, rocky soils.
Elevation: 100–400 m.
Distribution
Ariz., Mexico (Baja California Sur, Sonora).
Discussion
Argythamnia brandegeei var. brandegeei is endemic to Mexico and usually is glabrous, although a few inconspicuous hairs are present on a fruit of the isotype: T. S. Brandegee s.n. (UC). In contrast, var. intonsa has hispidulous ovaries and capsules, and usually pubescent stems and leaves.
Selected References
None.