Tragia laciniata

Subshrubs, 2.5–5 dm. Stems erect to decumbent, dark green, apex never flexuous. Leaves usually 3-foliolate, sometimes 3-lobed nearly to base; petiole 7–18 mm; leaflets: blade lanceolate, base acute, margins deeply and coarsely serrate, sinuses often extending 1/2+ to midvein, apex acute, central one 2.5–4 × 1–2 cm, lateral ones often with basal lobe. Inflorescences terminal (often appearing leaf opposed), glands absent, staminate flowers 10–20 per raceme; staminate bracts 0.5–1.5 mm. Pedicels: staminate 0.8–1.6 mm, persistent base 0.3–0.7 mm; pistillate 2.5–3 mm in fruit. Staminate flowers: sepals 3–4, green, 1–1.4 mm; stamens 3, filaments 3.5–4 mm. Pistillate flowers: sepals lanceolate, 2–3 mm; styles connate 1/4–1/2 length; stigmas undulate to subpapillate. Capsules 6–7 mm wide. Seeds dark brown, 3–3.2 mm.

Phenology: Flowering summer–fall; fruiting late summer–fall.
Habitat: Oak woodlands, ravines, stream banks.
Elevation: 1200–1700 m.

Ariz., Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora).

Discussion

Tragia laciniata is the only Tragia in the flora area with compound leaves. Some plants from Sonora, Mexico, are intermediate between T. laciniata and T. nepetifolia var. dissecta. In the flora area, T. laciniata is known from southern Arizona.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa