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cushion cryptantha
Scientific Name: Cryptantha circumscissa
Family: Boraginaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Cryptantha circumscissa: Cushion Cryptantha
Cryptantha circumscissa, commonly known as cushion cryptantha, is a fascinating plant belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is also known as cushion catseye and matted cryptantha.
This small, prickly plant with inconspicuous white flowers is often overlooked. It forms a cushion-like mat, adding to its unique character.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The plant is described as "prickly," suggesting the presence of potentially irritating surfaces.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cryptantha circumscissa (Hook. & Arn.) I.M. Johnston
- Family: Boraginaceae (Borage family)
- Synonym: Greeneocharis circumscissa
- Varieties: Cryptantha circumscissa var. circumscissa, Cryptantha circumscissa var. rosulata, Cryptantha circumscissa var. genuina I.M.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America, including California and Nevada.
- Often found in sandy areas. An example is the east bank of the Columbia River, north of Vantage.
Morphological Characteristics
- Annual forb/herb
- Dwarf, cushion-forming, typically 1-6 cm high.
- Stiff-hairy herbage
- Narrowly linear leaves, 5-13 mm long, densely hairy
- Forms a wider-than-tall, often rounded or cushion-like shape
- Produces flowers with either relatively broad or narrow corolla tubes (dimorphic flowers).
- Persistent tubular calyx that envelopes the fruits.
Additional Information
- Blooms from March to August.
- Found at elevations ranging from 150 to 3650 meters.
- Chromosome counts or genetic information were not found within the text.
Resources
- iNaturalist.org
- International Plant Names Index
- Encyclopedia of Life
- CalPhotos