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Tucson Mountain spiderling

Scientific Name: Boerhavia megaptera

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Tucson Mountain Spiderling (Boerhavia megaptera)

Boerhavia megaptera, commonly known as the Tucson Mountain Spiderling, is an annual forb/herb belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. The name "spiderling" refers to the appearance of the inflorescences in some species.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is described as an herb, which may be tempting for some pets to nibble on.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Boerhavia megaptera Standl.
  • Common Names: Tucson Mountain Spiderling, Red Spiderling, Scarlet Spiderling, Winged Spiderling
  • Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock Family)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: According to historical records from 1903, the plant was associated with areas like Tumamoc Hill, Flat-top Mountain, and Tucson Mountains.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Tucson Mountain Spiderling is found in the Tucson Mountains of Arizona.
  • It's also mentioned in connection with Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain District.
  • The plant seems well-adapted to the Sonoran Desert environment near Tucson.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Boerhavia megaptera is classified as a forb/herb, indicating it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • It is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions the presence of various spiders (e.g., Desert Tarantula, Green Lynx Spider, Black Widow) and their prey in the Tucson Mountains, suggesting an ecological context where the spiderling might be part of the habitat for these arachnids.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "spiderling" refers to the appearance of the plant's inflorescences (flower clusters), evoking the imagery of spiders or spiderwebs.

Further Information

  • The PLANTS Database (USDA, NRCS) is referenced as a source for common and scientific names.
  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Boerhavia megaptera.
  • Information on growing Tucson Mountain Spiderling can be found on Garden Guides.