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fringed redmaids

Scientific Name: Calandrinia ciliata

Family: Portulacaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Calandrinia ciliata: Fringed Redmaids

Calandrinia ciliata, a member of the purslane family (Portulacaceae), is commonly known as fringed redmaids, red maids, or desert rockpurselane.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant contains oxalic acid.

Considerations for Children

  • The seeds of this plant were historically eaten "like candy" by the Yokuts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Calandrinia ciliata (Ruiz & Pavon) DC.
  • Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane family)
  • Synonyms: C. caulescens H.B.K.
  • Varieties: Calandrinia ciliata var. menziesii
  • Plant Symbol: CACI2
  • The epithet "ciliata" means 'fringed' in reference to the fine hairs on the edges of the sepals.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America, specifically the American western states.
  • Also found in valley grasslands, the edges of oak woodlands, and low hills.
  • Introduced in Massachusetts.
  • Habitat: Bajadas.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a weedy species in some areas of its native range.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Life Form: Forb/herb, annual
  • Grown Habit: Forb/herb
  • Duration: Annual
  • Growth Habit: Annual, taprooted, rosetted, 1-several-stemmed, prostrate to ascending.
  • Stems: Prostrate to ascending, spreading, 3-40 cm.
  • Leaves: Alternate simple; blades linear to oblanceolate, 1-10 cm, glabrous or with elongate, 1-cellular hairs.
  • Flowers: Typically red or pink. Sepals 2.5-8.
  • Spines: Spineless

Other Names

  • Desert rockpurselane
  • Wild portulaca

Quirky Facts

  • The seeds of Calandrinia ciliata were eaten "like candy" by the Yokuts people.

Further Information

  • USDA NRCS National Plant Data: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CACI2
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • Go Botany - dixinary