Status: Native
Synonyms:
None
Pectocarya platycarpa is a widely branched, spreading herb of arid lowlands. The white flowers are minute and inconspicuous. The leaves are almost linear. The fruits are very conspicuous and seem to form an "H" at every node on mature stems. In reality there are four nutlets in the configuration all joined at one end. The nutlets are all identical and the calyx is nearly symmetrical. In comparison, the much less common Pectocarya heterocarpa has 2 widely winged nutlets and 2 wingless nutlets with a more asymmetrical calyx.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Pectocarya platycarpa, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 20, 2010
Pectocarya platycarpa, 3X field macro of flower, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 20, 2010
Pectocarya platycarpa, 1X field macro of 4 identical nutlets, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 20, 2010
Pectocarya platycarpa, 1x macro of calyx, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 20, 2010
Pectocarya platycarpa, 1x macro of 4 nutlets, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 20, 2010
Pectocarya platycarpa, plant measured, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 20, 2010
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