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Guadalupe cryptantha

Scientific Name: Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Cryptantha maritima

Cryptantha maritima, commonly known as Guadalupe cryptantha or Guadalupe catseye, is an annual herb belonging to the borage family, Boraginaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cryptantha maritima (Greene) Greene
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Borage family)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Guadalupe catseye
  • Variety: Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa I.M. Johnst.
  • Cryptantha maritima var. maritima

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cryptantha maritima is native to California and Guadalupe Island, Baja California, Mexico.
  • It thrives in dry areas below 1235 feet (<1250 meters).

Morphological Characteristics

  • This plant is an annual herb, typically growing to a height of 10-30(40) cm.
  • The stem can be simple to branched throughout, with branches ascending to erect.
  • The plant is generally strigose (having stiff, appressed hairs) and spreading-rough-hairy.
  • Leaves are 1-4 cm in length.

Ecological Role

  • Cryptantha species, including Cryptantha maritima, are identified by the characteristics of their nutlets.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Cryptantha species are also referred to as "forget-me-nots." These plants are known to have rough or hairy leaves, which might cause mild irritation if ingested by pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Some Cryptantha species are also referred to as "forget-me-nots." These plants are known to have rough or hairy leaves, which might cause mild irritation if handled.

Quirky Facts

  • Cryptantha species have a reputation for being hard to distinguish.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cryptantha maritima.