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spineflower
Scientific Name: Chorizanthe
Family: Polygonaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Spineflower: A Diverse Genus of the Buckwheat Family
The name "spineflower" generally refers to plants within the genus Chorizanthe, belonging to the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). This genus encompasses a variety of small, often squat, herbaceous plants. The common name derives from their spiny appearance.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Some spineflower species have a spiny or prickly appearance due to their morphological characteristics.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Chorizanthe
- Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
- Several species and varieties are mentioned, including:
- Chorizanthe brevicornu
- Chorizanthe diffusa (Diffuse Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe douglasii (Douglas Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe membranacea (Pink Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe orcuttiana (Orcutt's Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina (San Fernando Valley Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe pungens (Monterey Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe pungens var. hartwegiana (Ben Lomond Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe rigida (Devil's Spineflower/Rigid Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta (Robust Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe robusta var. hartwegii (Scotts Valley Spineflower)
- Chorizanthe valida (Sonoma Spineflower)
- Dodecahema leptoceras (Slender-horned spineflower)
- Synonyms and alternative names: Brittle spine flower, Brittle spineflower, Thorny Flower
Distribution and Habitat
- Many Chorizanthe species are endemic to California.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Monterey
- West Marin
- San Francisco (dunes)
- San Fernando Valley
- Ventura County
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Temescal Valley
- Simi Valley
- Some species, like the San Francisco Spineflower, are early dune colonizers, requiring open sandy habitats.
- Monterey spineflower has been found outside of its endemic range in wool waste in Massachusetts.
Ecological Role
- Some spineflower species are considered endangered.
- Several species are restricted to certain specialized microhabitats.
- The text mentions efforts to prevent the extinction of certain species, such as the Sonoma Spineflower.
Morphological Characteristics
- They are generally small, squat, herbaceous plants.
- Some have a spiny appearance.
- The Sonoma spineflower is an erect spreading buckwheat that grows 3.9-11.8 in (10-30 cm) and is a shaggy-haired annual herb with basal leaves.
- Some have soft and hairy stems that are often prostrate.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Invertebrate visitors to the flowers of the San Fernando Valley spineflower exhibit a high rate of constancy.
Quirky Facts
- The text references a house located on "Spineflower Ct" in Simi Valley, CA.
- The text also mentions a Korean Drama called "Spineflower" (also known as Thorn Flower/Thorny Flower), indicating the name's use in popular culture.
Further Information
- California Academy of Sciences
- UCSC Natural Reserves
- California Native Plant Society