Status: Native
Synonyms:
Polygala neomexicana Wooton & Standley
Polygala puberula Gray
Polygala obscura is a confusing plant when first encountered. The irregular flower on a spike like raceme doesn't fit well with any other family. Polygala obscura has purple lateral petals and a yellow keel. The purple lateral petals are frequently seen folded in rather than opened outwards. The leaves are simple. Polygala obscura grows at middle elevation in sandy soil. The fruit is a notched capsule.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Polygala obscura, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Gold Gulch Spring, June 6, 2007
Polygala obscura, with fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, Aug. 4, 2008
Polygala obscura, 1x field macro of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, July 23, 2009
Polygala obscura, 1x field macro of fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, July 23, 2009
Polygala obscura, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Mimbres Range, Acklin Hill, Aug. 8, 2009
Polygala obscura, field macro of flower, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Mimbres Range, Acklin Hill, Aug. 8, 2009
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