SafePlants

Southwestern Cryptantha (Cryptantha mensana)

Cryptantha mensana, commonly known as Southwestern Cryptantha, is a plant belonging to the Borage family (Boraginaceae). This page provides information on its taxonomy, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Cryptantha species often have hairy leaves, which might be a tactile deterrent for some animals but could also pose a minor ingestion hazard.
• The plant has persisting dried flower stems. These could potentially be a choking hazard if ingested, particularly for smaller animals.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Cryptantha species often have hairy leaves, which might be a tactile deterrent for some children.
• The plant has persisting dried flower stems. These could potentially be a choking hazard if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cryptantha mensana (M.E. Jones) Payson
• Family: Boraginaceae (Borage family)
• Synonyms: The text mentions several Cryptantha species and varieties that might be related or confused with Cryptantha mensana, but doesn't list direct synonyms.

Distribution and Habitat

• Cryptantha mensana is native to the southwestern United States.
• Other Cryptantha species are found in diverse habitats, including grasslands in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, the Mojave Desert, and various locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
• Some species are found in specific habitats like sandhills.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cryptanthas are known for their abundance of tiny flowers.
• They typically have hairy leaves.
• A characteristic feature is their persisting dried flower stems.
• One species, Cryptantha micrantha, is described as a low-growing, small-leafed species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Zuni people have a traditional use for at least one Cryptantha species.

Resources and Further Information

• Discover Life has a page dedicated to Cryptantha mensana, providing information on its biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• JSTOR is collaborating with the Southwestern Association of Naturalists on research related to the genus Cryptantha.
• SEINet (Southwest Environmental Information Network) is referenced for information on Cryptantha pterocarya.