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Death Valley sandmat
Scientific Name: Chamaesyce vallis-mortae
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Euphorbia vallis-mortae (Death Valley Sandmat)
Euphorbia vallis-mortae, commonly known as Death Valley Sandmat, is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass). It is also known as Indian Spurge.
Considerations for Pets
- Belongs to the Euphorbia genus, and, as such, it may contain a milky sap.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Euphorbia vallis-mortae (Millsp.) J.T. Howell
- Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Chamaesyce vallis-mortae Millsp., Chamaesyce vallis-mortae
Distribution and Habitat
- Death Valley Sandmat is found in California, specifically in Death Valley National Park.
- It thrives in Mojavean desert scrub on sandy or gravelly substrates.
- It grows at elevations between 750 and 4,790 feet.
- Also found in valley and foothill grassland, coastal scrub, and lower montane coniferous forest.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
- It is a perennial plant.
Ecological Role
- It is associated with several plant communities including juniper woodland, valley and foothill grassland.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It is mentioned in the context of rare superblooms in Death Valley, indicating it is part of a diverse wildflower ecosystem.
Further Information
- Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chamaesyce vallis-mortae.
- CalPhotos provides photos of Euphorbia vallis-mortae.