SafePlants

Glossopetalon: The Greasebush Genus

The genus Glossopetalon comprises a small group of shrubs within the family Crossosomataceae. These plants are commonly referred to as "greasebushes."

Considerations for Pets

• Some species, such as Glossopetalon pungens, are known as "dwarf greasebush" or "pungent dwarf greasebush," suggesting a possible characteristic.
• Other species, such as Glossopetalon spinescens Gray var. aridum M.E. Jones, are know as "spiny greasebush," which suggests that the plant may have spines.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Glossopetalon A. Gray
• Family: Crossosomataceae (the crossosoma family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Genus: Glossopetalon
• Common Name: Greasebush (general term for the genus)
• Synonym: Forsellesia clokeyi (for Glossopetalon clokeyi)

Key Species

• Glossopetalon clokeyi (Ensign) H. St. John - Clokey's greasebush
• Glossopetalon planitierum - Plains greasebush
• Glossopetalon pungens Brandeg. - Dwarf greasebush
• Glossopetalon spinescens Gray var. aridum M.E. Jones - spiny greasebush

Morphological Characteristics

• Glossopetalon clokeyi typically grows as shrubs forming relatively low mounds or mats, ranging from (10–)15–25 cm in height.

Distribution and Habitat

• Glossopetalon clokeyi has been found in the United States, specifically in Nevada.
• Glossopetalon planitierum has been found in the United States, specifically in Colorado and New Mexico.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Glossopetalon clokeyi is a Tier 2 Species. It has an interaction with the Spring Mountains comma skipper (Hesperia colorado mojavensis).

Resources and Further Information

• BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs. ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Glossopetalon%20clokeyi
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
• NatureServe