Species Detail Forb

Plant		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Phemeranthus validulus - Tusayan fameflower Synonyms: Talinum validulum Other Common Names: Tusayan false fameflowe Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Portulacaceae
Plant


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Forb Plant Description

Origin: Introduced Life Cycle: Perennial
General Desc: Rather inconspicuous plant, usually only up to 1 or 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 to about 5 inches tall. Plant has a 4 foot root system covered with wart-like swellings (tuberous).
Identification notes: Stems spreading to ascending; leaves rounded in cross-section; flowers white to purplish-pink, petals lance-like, stems <1/2 inch, sepals persist during fruit development; stamens 6 to 18; stigma 1, head-like, may be 3-lobed; capsule ovoid; seeds smooth.
Height: To 4-3/4 inches

Habitat

Habitat Description: Woodland openings, bare slopes and summits in rocky soil on chert (rock resembling flint), basalt (fine-grained volcanic rock) and cinder.
Plant Communities: Montane Conifer Forest
Elevation: 5600 - 7500 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: White to purplish-pink Shape: Regular in clusters Tubular: N Flowering Period: Jun - Sep
Description: Flowers 1 to 4 clustered on stalks; 1/16 to 1/4 inch long; sepals broad, lance-like, 1/4 inch long; petals lance-like about 1/2 inch long; color paler at base; 6 to 18 stamens; 1 stigma, head-like, may be 3-lobed.

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Dark green, red Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Shape: Narrow Leaf Margin: Smooth Leaf Attachment: Alternate Leaves Clasp: N
Hairs: No Spines: N
Leaf Description: Leaves fleshy; round in cross section; crowded on the upper portion of the stems; dark green; 1-3/4 inches long; turning red upon entering fall dormancy.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Type: Capsule
Fruit Notes: Oval, strongly triquetrous (triangular in cross-section and sharply angled; with 3 distinct long ridges); 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.
Seed Notes: Smooth; about 1/16 inch long.


	Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590	Version 8.0 http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022 Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson Legal Disclaimer