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Mojave spineflower

Scientific Name: Chorizanthe spinosa

Family: Polygonaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Mojave Spineflower (Chorizanthe spinosa)

Chorizanthe spinosa, commonly known as Mojave spineflower, is a flowering plant belonging to the buckwheat family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The common name "spineflower" and related species such as "Devil's spineflower" may indicate the presence of thorns or sharp edges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chorizanthe spinosa S. Watson
  • Common Name: Mojave spineflower
  • Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat family)
  • Synonym: Eriogonella spinosa (S. Watson) Goodman

Distribution and Habitat

  • Mojave spineflower is found in western North America and South America.
  • It is endemic to California's Mojave Desert.
  • Specifically found in the eastern Mojave Desert, Kern County; Owens Valley; and the western Mojave Desert and adjacent foothills at elevations of about 700 to 4800 feet.
  • Also found in Nevada, in the western, central, and southern Mojave Desert.
  • Ranges from the Sonoran Desert in Arizona west into the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mojave spineflower is a forb/herb, a non-woody plant.
  • It is an annual herb.
  • Plants are spreading to prostrate.
  • They are thinly pubescent.
  • Size: 0.3-0.8(-1) dm.
  • Leaves are basal with a petiole of 0.5-2 cm.

Ecological Role

  • The presence of Mojave spineflower can be an indicator species in certain habitats.
  • It is associated with sparse occurrences in some regions.

Related Species

  • Chorizanthe staticoides (Turkish rugging)
  • Chorizanthe rigida (Devil's spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe angustifolia (Narrowleaf spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe biloba (Twolobe spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe brevicornu (Brittle Spineflower)