Petalonyx nitidus S. Watson
Family: Loasaceae
Shiny-Leaf Sandpaper-Plant,  more...
Petalonyx nitidus image
Charles Webber  

Plant: shrub or subshrub; to 0.5 m tall; current growth often sparsely branched

Leaves: petiolate, 1.5-4 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide, those of branches and main axis similar in size; blade ovate to broadly elliptic; margin sometimes entire, usually few-toothed

INFLORESCENCE: RACEMES to 3 cm long, ca. 2 cm wide. OUTER BRACT 5-12 mm long, 2-6 mm wide; margin crenate or with small teeth to nearly entire; apex abruptly attenuate

Flowers: petals connate, 5-10(-11) mm long; stamens 7-14 mm long

Fruit: ACHENE 1-3 mm long; SEED subapical; testa non-sculptured; endosperm lacking

Misc: Open slopes and mesas, frequently on volcanic substrates; 950-1450 m (3000-4700 ft); May-Jul

REFERENCES: Christy, Charlotte M. 1998. Loasaceae. J. Ariz. - Nev. Acad. Sci. 30(2): 96.

Petalonyx nitidus image
Charles Webber  
Petalonyx nitidus image
Charles Webber