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atrichoseris

Scientific Name: Atrichoseris

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Atrichoseris platyphylla: The Enigmatic Gravel Ghost

Atrichoseris platyphylla, a fascinating member of the dandelion family (Asteraceae), is a unique plant with several common names reflecting its distinctive characteristics and habitat. Commonly known as tobacco weed, parachute plant, or gravel ghost, this species offers a glimpse into the resilience of desert flora.

Considerations for Pets and Children:

  • Atrichoseris platyphylla contains a milky sap.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Atrichoseris platyphylla (A. Gray) A. Gray
  • Common Names: Tobacco weed, parachute plant, gravel ghost
  • Synonyms: Malacothrix platyphylla A. Gray
  • Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family/Dandelion family/Compositae)
  • Taxonomic Serial Number: 192205 (ITIS)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Atrichoseris platyphylla is native to California and also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America.
  • It thrives in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
  • Common habitats include valleys, washes, and bajadas.
  • The plant is often found in washes where its leaves blend in with the gravel.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Atrichoseris platyphylla is an annual herb (forb).
  • It starts as a basal rosette of leaves.
  • The plant typically grows to a height of 2-18 dm (approximately 8 inches to 6 feet).
  • Stems are erect and glabrous (smooth).
  • Leaves are basal and the lowest cauline (stem) leaves.
  • Basal leaves are gray-green, glaucous (covered with a whitish bloom), often purple-tinged, and sometimes mottled. They range in size from 1-12 cm long and 0.5-6 cm wide.
  • Flowers are chicory-like, about 1.5 inches in diameter, with several rows of overlapping petals.
  • Flower color ranges from white to purple-tinged, yellow at the center, pinkish purple at the center, or bright white.

Quirky Facts

  • It's common name, "Gravel Ghost", is derived from its ability to blend in with the gravel in washes where they grow.

Further Information

  • Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Atrichoseris platyphylla.