Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Boerhavia purpurascens Gray
(Purple Spiderling)


Family: Nyctaginaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
None

Boerhavia purpurascens is an annual herb that blooms in the fall. The pinkish to purple flowers are small and in cymose clusters. The fruits are glabrous and the floral bracts are at least as long as the fruits. Boerhavia purpurascens is found in canyon bottoms and in dry sandy areas.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Boerhavia purpurascens, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Aug. 17, 2008



Boerhavia purpurascens, annual root system, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Aug. 17, 2008



Boerhavia purpurascens, cymose inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Aug. 17, 2008



Boerhavia purpurascens, glandular inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Aug. 17, 2008



Boerhavia purpurascens, leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Aug. 17, 2008



Boerhavia purpurascens, glabrous fruit with bracts as long as fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Aug. 17, 2008



Back to the Index