Emmenanthe
Emmenanthe is a monotypic genus which contains only one species, Emmenanthe penduliflora, known by the common name whispering bells.[1] This grassland wildflower is native to California, though it can also be found in other locations within western North America.[1]
| Emmenanthe | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Subfamily: | Hydrophylloideae |
| Genus: | Emmenanthe Benth. |
| Species: | E. penduliflora |
| Binomial name | |
| Emmenanthe penduliflora Benth. | |
Description
Emmenanthe is monotypic genus of annual plants with fleshy foliage which exudes a sticky juice with a light medicinal odor.[2] The plant comes up from a weedy-looking basal rosette of sharply lobed leaves. Inflorescence is a terminal cluster of flowers, borne on slender pedicels less than 1 inch long. Blooms have five sepals and five yellow or pinkish petals in a bell-shaped. Flowers dry and become light and papery. The dry hanging flowers make a rustling sound when a breeze comes through, giving the whispering bells its common name. The dry flower also contains a fruit about a centimeter wide.
Distribution & habitat
This flower is most common in dry, recently burned areas; germination of the seeds may be triggered by the presence of burned plant material. It is a common plant of the chaparral ecosystem, which is prone to wildfire.
In Mexico, this species is found on the two states of the Baja California Peninsula. In Baja California, it is common in the northwestern part of the state, and ranges into the Central Desert. In Baja California Sur, it is found on the Vizcaino Peninsula. Additionally, this species also grows on Guadalupe Island in the Pacific Ocean.[3]
References
- "Emmenanthe penduliflora". Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
- Robert Patterson & Richard R. Halse. "Emmenanthe penduliflora". The Jepson Herbarium - University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
- Rebman, J. P.; Gibson, J.; Rich, K. (2016). "Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Baja California, Mexico" (PDF). San Diego Society of Natural History. 45: 83.
External links