SafePlants

Centrostegia thurberi: Thurber's Spineflower, Red Triangles

Centrostegia thurberi, commonly known as Thurber's Spineflower or Red Triangles, is the sole species within the monotypic genus Centrostegia. It belongs to the family Polygonaceae, also known as the Buckwheat Family.

Considerations for Pets

• The common name "Spineflower" suggests the presence of spines. This could present a potential hazard for pets, especially curious ones that might attempt to play with or ingest the plant.

Considerations for Children

• The common name "Spineflower" suggests the presence of spines. This could present a potential hazard for children, especially those who might be tempted to pick or handle the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Centrostegia thurberi A. Gray ex Benth.
• Common Names: Thurber's Spineflower, Red Triangles
• Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
• Genus: Centrostegia A. Gray ex Bentham in A. L. P. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 14: 27. 1856.
• Synonyms:
  • The Plant List includes 5 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Centrostegia, with 1 accepted species name, but the other synonyms are not specified in the provided text.
  • Chorizanthe thurberi (redirected to Centrostegia thurberi, suggesting it was once classified under that genus)
  • Centrostegia leptoceras A. Gray ex Benth. (possibly, based on mentions of its listing status and relationship to Dodecahema leptoceras)

Etymology

• The genus name Centrostegia is derived from the Greek words "kentron," meaning spur, and "stegion," meaning roof, referring to the arched spurs on the involucre of the plant.

Distribution and Habitat

• Centrostegia thurberi is native to California and found throughout the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
• It is confined to western North America.

Morphology and Growth Habit

• Centrostegia thurberi is described as an annual herb and a dicot.

Ecological Role

• Centrostegia is noted to be related to the genus *Chorizanthe*, implying shared ecological niches and potential interactions.

Related Species and Genera

• The text mentions several genera related to or associated with Centrostegia, including:
  • Acanthoscyphus
  • Aconogonon
  • Chorizanthe
  • Dodecahema (specifically, *Dodecahema leptoceras*, which was once classified as *Centrostegia leptoceras*)
  • Systenotheca
  • Dedeckera
  • Stenogonum
  • Nemacaulis
  • Gilmania
  • Johanneshowellia
  • Goodmania

Further Information

• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): http://www.itis.gov
• Southwest Environmental Information Network (SEINet): http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Centrostegia%20thurberi
• CalPhotos: Centrostegia thurberi page from CalPhotos.
• Library - Southwest Environmental Information Network: Centrostegia thurberi species page from the Libarary - Southwest Environmental Infomation Network
• Calflora: http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/thurbersspineflower.html