SafePlants

Ayenia compacta: California Ayenia

Ayenia compacta, commonly known as California ayenia, is a fascinating plant native to specific regions of North America. This page offers a detailed overview of its characteristics, distribution, and ecological significance.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant may be found in home gardens, but the provided text doesn't specify if it is common or rare.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ayenia compacta Rose
• Common Name: California ayenia
• Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
• Synonyms: Ayenia californica Jepson

Distribution and Habitat

• Ayenia compacta is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California.
• It is primarily found in California and extends only slightly beyond its borders.
• Its preferred habitat is dry, rocky environments.
• It can be found at elevations ranging from 100 to 1160 meters.

Morphological Characteristics

• Ayenia compacta is described as a small, obscure subshrub, rarely exceeding one meter in height.
• It features a dozen or so weakly woody stems arising from a woody crown.
• The plant becomes leafy by mid-spring or after rainfall.
• It is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years.
• In general it presents an erect posture; in the lower part it has a pretty bare stem, while p many ramifications develop towards the

Additional Information

• Symbol: AYCO
• Element Code: PDSTE01020
• Holotype for Ayenia compacta Rose Catalog Number: US 13186Locality: Near Santa Rosalia., Baja California Sur, Mexico, North America

External Resources

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): ITIS
• Encyclopedia of Life: Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life: Discover Life