Status: Native
Synonyms:
Rutosma purpurea Wooton & Standley
Rutosma texana Gray
Thamnosma texana is a low perennial herb with linear to terete leaves. The leaves, stems, and fruits are all covered with golden nodules that are aromatic when crushed. The fruit is a distinctive two or three eared capsule subtended by a four lobed calyx. The seeds are kidney shaped to coiled and tuberculate or transversely ribbed. The flowers are yellow in the easternmost portion of its range, becoming completely purple as it moves more westerly in its distribution. Thamnosma texana is found in rocky, dry places in lower elevation. Thanks to Roger Peterson for identifying this plant.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Thamnosma texana, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, 3x field macro flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Mel Moe, Richard Felger, Leith Young, & Charles Holmes, Peloncillo Mtns. near Rodeo, March 12, 2010
Thamnosma texana, closeup of branches, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, closeup of branch with capsules, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, macro of two lobed capsule, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, macro of branch, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, macro of three lobed fruit measured, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, macro of four lobed calyx under a three lobed capsule, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, macro of seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, October 29, 2009
Thamnosma texana, field macro of ripe seeds and fruit, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, December 12, 2009
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