Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

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

Krameria lanceolata Torrey
(Prostrate Ratany, Trailing Ratany)


Family: Krameriaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Krameria secundiflora auct. non A.P. de Candolle

Krameria lanceolata is a prostrate, spreading herb that is somewhat uncommon in the Gila National Forest. It has beautiful strands of crimson to purplish flowers with green centers. The fruits are hairy and spherical with spikes projecting from the surface. Each indehiscent (remaining on the plant for an extended period) pod contains only one seed. Krameria lanceolata is found in the Gila and is herbaceous while Krameria erecta is found in the Florida Mountains and is woody. Krameria lanceolata is found on dry hillsides at middle elevation.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Krameria lanceolata, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Mangas Canyon Road, May 2, 2007



Krameria lanceolata, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant Cty. airport, Sept. 9, 2009



Krameria lanceolata, 1x field macro of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant Cty. airport, Sept. 9, 2009



Krameria lanceolata, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant Cty. airport, Sept. 9, 2009



Krameria lanceolata, 1x field macro of herbage, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant Cty. airport, Sept. 9, 2009



Krameria lanceolata, flowering branch, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant Cty. airport, Sept. 9, 2009



Krameria lanceolata, 5-8mm hairy pod with spikes, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County airport, March 2, 2010



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