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allenrolfea
Scientific Name: Allenrolfea
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Iodine Bush (Allenrolfea occidentalis)
Allenrolfea occidentalis, commonly known as Iodine Bush, is a fascinating plant species native to western North America.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has fleshy stems.
- It is commonly found in gardens, potentially making it accessible to pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Allenrolfea occidentalis (S. Watson) Kuntze
- Common Names: Iodine Bush, Pickleweed, Burro weed
- Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family), now considered part of Amaranthaceae
- Synonyms: Halostachys occidentalis S. Watson, Spirostachys S.Watson, Salicornia occidentalis (S. Watson) Greene
- Taxonomic Serial No.: 20677
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California and found throughout the American Southwest and western North America.
- A dominant shrub of salt playas and mudflats.
- Specifically mentioned as growing in the arid environment of the Western United States where halomorphic soil exists.
Morphological Characteristics
- Low-lying shrub with a dark hue to its stems.
- Succulent, articulate shrubs without distinct leaves.
- Has fleshy stems covered with decurrent (extending down the stem) features.
Quirky Facts
- Allenrolfea occidentalis is the only species in the Allenrolfea genus. It could be a "point of interest in a sunny well drained garden shouting out it's claim to fame being the only species in the Allenrolfea genus."
Ecological Role
- Allenrolfea occidentalis is the most salt-tolerant plant species in the temperate deserts of western North America.
- It is a C3 halophytic plant, meaning it is adapted to growing in saline conditions and uses the C3 photosynthetic pathway.
Related Research
- Research has been conducted on the plant's ecophysiology, population biology, and response to salinity, light, and temperature.
Further Information
- Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center species profile.
- CalPhotos: Allenrolfea occidentalis - Photo (BY-NC-SA) Charles Webber on CalPhotos
- Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Allenrolfea.