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largeflower suncup
Scientific Name: Camissonia megalantha
Family: Onagraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Oenothera: Evening Primrose, Suncups, and Sundrops
Oenothera is a genus comprising approximately 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants. Commonly known as evening primrose, suncups, and sundrops, these plants have garnered attention for their attractive variations and diverse habitats.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species of Oenothera form rosettes of leaves.
- The text mentions reddish speckling on some flowers.
- Lycium parishii is mentioned in the text and has thorns.
Considerations for Children
- Some species of Oenothera form rosettes of leaves.
- The text mentions reddish speckling on some flowers.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)
- Synonyms:
- Camissonia ovata (formerly Oenothera ovata)
- Camissoniopsis micrantha
Distribution and Habitat
- Oenothera species are primarily found in America.
- Some species, like Camissonia ovata, are common coastal plants found on sand dunes and beaches.
- They favor full sun and form large, dense mats.
- Specific locations mentioned include Saskatchewan (where the short-flower suncup hasn't been seen since 1965), Abkhazia, Georgia, California (Mono County), and Arizona.
Morphological Characteristics
- Flowers are typically star-shaped and yellow, borne in pyramid-shaped clusters at the end of the stems.
- Plants can grow up to 1 meter tall, with rosettes reaching 20cm wide.
- Flowers often have reddish speckling.
- Some species have lance-shaped leaves that form a basal rosette.
- Stems may have small, thready leaves, with the flower cluster at the upper stem being widely spaced.
- Distinctive flower structure: 8 stamens, 4-parted stigma and ovary below the flower.
Spacing and Growth
- Oenothera should be spaced 15cm (small varieties) to 50cm (large varieties) apart.
- Plants flower approximately 6 weeks after germination.
Ecological Role
- Camissonia ovata is described as a "harbinger of spring."
- Suncup is a perennial primrose found in grasslands, coastal scrub and woodlands.
Quirky Facts
- The text mentions that the names for some small flowers are larger than the flower itself.
- Oenothera was a major area of genetic research in the first half of the 20th century.