SafePlants

Pholisma: The Subterranean Marvel

The genus Pholisma, particularly Pholisma sonorae and Pholisma arenarium, showcases nature's ingenuity in adapting to harsh desert environments. These plants exhibit unique survival strategies and play a vital role in their respective ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

• Pholisma arenarium is described as having a "scaly stem."

Considerations for Children

• Pholisma arenarium is described as having a "scaly stem."

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Pholisma (Nutt. ex Hook.)
• Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family), formerly Lennoaceae (Sandfood Family)
• Synonyms: Ammobroma (for Pholisma sonorae)
• The Plant List includes 8 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Pholisma.

Common Names

• Pholisma sonorae: Sandfood, Sand Bread
• Pholisma arenarium: Desert Christmas Tree, Scaly-stemmed Sand Plant, Sand Plant

Distribution and Habitat

• Pholisma species are desert-dwelling plants.
• Pholisma sonorae is endemic to the Sonoran Deserts, specifically west of Yuma, Arizona, and in the California Yuha Desert.
• Pholisma arenarium is native to California and found elsewhere in western North America.

Ecological Role

• Pholisma species are primarily subterranean, with only parts emerging above ground.
• These plants are parasitic herbs, obtaining nutrients from host plants.
• Pholisma sonorae, while parasitic, shares water with its host plant during drought conditions.
• They are part of the dune ecosystem.

Morphological Characteristics

• Pholisma species are perennial herbs.
• Pholisma arenarium is described as a fleshy perennial herb with a compact cylindrical form.
• Stems of Pholisma species are 30-80 cm long, 1-2 cm in diameter, fleshy, underground, white or brownish.
• Leaves are linear to narrowly shaped.

Quirky Facts

• Pholisma arenarium is also known as "Desert Christmas Tree."
• One source mentions "scaly-stemmed sand plant" as a "personal favorite plant name ever."

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Pholisma species are parasitic, growing on the roots of other plants.
• Insects have been collected on Pholisma sonorae flowers in the Algodones Dunes, Imperial County, California.

Further Information

• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service: [Resource Link]
• BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Pholisma%20sonorae
• ITIS Web Link: [Resource Link]
• Discover Life's page about Pholisma arenarium: [Resource Link]
• California Native Plant Society