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greasebush
Scientific Name: Glossopetalon
Family: Crossosomataceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Glossopetalon: The Greasebush
Glossopetalon is a small genus of shrubs belonging to the plant family Crossosomataceae. These plants are commonly known as greasebushes.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species, such as Glossopetalon spinescens (Spiny Greasebush), are described as spiny or prickly.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Glossopetalon A. Gray
- Common Name: Greasebush
- Family: Crossosomataceae (Greasebush Family)
- Synonyms: Forsellesia planitierum (for Glossopetalon planitierum), Forsellesia meionandra (for Glossopetalon spinescens var. meionandrum)
- Taxonomic Rank: Genus
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to deserts of southwestern North America and South America.
- Specific locations include the Trans-Pecos region (Texas), Oklahoma, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho.
- Often found in limestone mountains and canyons.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Generally described as shrubs, sometimes small and much-branched.
- Can range in size, with some species reaching up to 120 cm (45 inches) tall.
- Some species are evergreen and drought-adapted.
- Broad, flat leaves lose too much water, some species adapted to be spiny.
Quirky Facts
- The name "greasebush" comes from the plant's oily nature, which historically led to its use as fuel.
Additional Information
- The "Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary" published in 1913 includes an entry for "greasebush."
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to Glossopetalon pungens (Dwarf Greasebush) with information on its biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.