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Mojave sandwort

Scientific Name: Arenaria macradenia

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Mojave Sandwort (Arenaria macradenia)

Arenaria macradenia, commonly known as Mojave sandwort or desert sandwort, is a perennial subshrub or forb/herb belonging to the pink family (Caryophyllaceae). This plant is native to the Mojave Desert and surrounding areas.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions a traditional use of the dried root as an analgesic by the Kawaiisu people, which suggests the presence of bioactive compounds.
  • It is described as a subshrub with a woody base and leafy stems, potentially posing a chewing hazard for pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions a traditional use of the dried root as an analgesic by the Kawaiisu people, which suggests the presence of bioactive compounds.
  • It is described as a subshrub with a woody base and leafy stems, potentially posing a chewing hazard for children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arenaria macradenia S. Watson
  • Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Eremogone macradenia
  • Subspecies/Varieties:
    • Arenaria macradenia S. Watson var. macradenia
    • Arenaria macradenia subsp. macradenia Maguire
    • Eremogone macradenia var. arcuifolia (Maguire) R.L. Hartm.
  • Common Names: Mojave sandwort, desert sandwort, Mohave Sandwort, Shrubby Sandwort, Showy Sandwort

Distribution and Habitat

  • Mojave sandwort is found in the Mojave Desert and surrounding areas.
  • Specific locations mentioned include the White Mountains (elevation 1760 m / 5780 ft), Canyon Mountains in Millard County, Utah (elevation approximately 6,800 ft), Zion National Park, and the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains.
  • It grows in habitats such as creosote bush scrub, Joshua tree woodland, and pinyon-juniper woodland.
  • It typically grows at elevations between 1100-2200 meters.

Morphology and Growth Habit

  • Mojave sandwort is a perennial plant described as a subshrub or forb/herb.
  • Plants can grow up to 70 cm tall.
  • It has a conspicuously leafy structure near a woody, shortly branched base.
  • Flowering stems are mostly leafless and can spread 10-30 cm or more across.
  • The plant loses its aerial parts during the coldest months.

Traditional Uses

  • The dried root was traditionally used as an analgesic by the Kawaiisu people.

Additional Information

  • Mojave sandwort blooms from April to June.

Resources

  • Discover Life: Discover Life
  • Flora of North America: eFloras.org
  • United States Department of Agriculture