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trailing krameria

Scientific Name: Krameria lanceolata

Family: Krameriaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Krameria lanceolata: Trailing Krameria, Ratany, and More

Krameria lanceolata, a perennial subshrub forb/herb, is a fascinating plant with a variety of common names and interesting ecological interactions.

Common Names

  • Trailing Krameria
  • Trailing Ratany
  • Ratany
  • Prairie Sandbur
  • Three Fans
  • Crameria (Spanish)
  • Texan Rhatany
  • Sandspur

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Krameria lanceolata Torr.
  • Family: Krameriaceae (Krameria is the only genus in this family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Krameria secundiflora auct. non DC.
    • Krameria spathulata Small

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces a spiny seed ball, though it is not in the grass family as a traditional sandspur.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Krameria lanceolata is native to North America.
  • It is found in Deep East Texas.
  • It grows in sandhills in Florida.
  • It can be found in semi-tropic and temperate zones of Mexico (where it may be known as Crameria).
  • The similar White Ratany (Krameria grayi) is only found in desert areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Krameria lanceolata is a perennial plant.
  • It is described as a trailing or prostrate, spreading herb or subshrub.
  • The flowers have a "strange structure" and are approximately 1 inch across.
  • It has 3 deep maroon, fanlike stigma lobes.
  • Resembles the flowering of some Orchids.

Ecological Role and Interactions

  • Centris spp. are the primary pollinators of Krameria lanceolata.
  • It's considered of good value to wildlife.

Quirky Facts

  • One common name, "Three Fans," is derived from the 3 deep maroon, fanlike stigma lobes within the flower.
  • The flowers of Krameria lanceolata have a "strange structure".

Related Krameria Species

  • Krameria lappacea (Dombey) Burdet & B.B. Simpson (=K. triandra, K. iluca) - Peruvian rhatany
  • Krameria ramosissima (A. Gray)
  • Krameria cistoidea
  • Krameria grayi - white rhatany
  • Krameria ixine - abrojo colorado
  • Krameria triandra - Peruvian rhatany

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life: Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Krameria lanceolata