Capraria mexicana
in A. P. de Candolle and A. L. P. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 10: 429. 1846.
Stems branched, 5–20 dm, glabrous. Leaves: blade lanceolate, 40–100 × 6–22 mm, glabrous. Pedicels 5–12 mm, glabrous. Flowers radially symmetric, 8–10 mm; sepals 3–5 mm, glabrous; corolla white, rotate, glabrous; stamens 5, equal; ovary glabrous; style exserted, 3–5 mm, glabrous. Seeds to 0.4 × 0.2 mm.
Phenology: Flowering fall–spring.
Habitat: Beaches, roadsides, streams, disturbed areas.
Elevation: 0–700 m.
Distribution
Introduced; Tex., Mexico (Guanajuato, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz), Central America (Belize).
Discussion
Known in the flora area only since 1993 (J. Ideker 1996b), Capraria mexicana grows in a handful of populations in two counties of southern Texas (Cameron and Starr). Reports suggest that a flood extirpated the only known population in Starr County (A. Richardson and K. King 2006). Although rare in Texas, this species is widespread throughout the northeastern half of Mexico.
Selected References
None.