cliff desertdandelion
Malacothrix saxatilis (Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray
Malacothrix saxatilis, known as cliff desertdandelion, is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. It is endemic to California, growing in central and southern coastal hills and mountain ranges. The plant reaches 30 to 60 cm in height and grows from a rhizome and caudex. Leaves vary in size and shape, sometimes lobed. The inflorescence features white ray florets, 1 to 2 cm long, with lance-shaped phyllaries. The species was described in 1843.
Description
Malacothrix saxatilis is a perennial herb that may flower in its first year, typically growing 20 to 200 cm tall. It has one or more stems, usually erect, with branching primarily at the upper part. Leaves are variable, with proximal leaves often elliptic or lanceolate, and distal leaves reduced. The involucres are bell-shaped, 9 to 16 mm long, with 18 to 30 phyllaries. The white corollas have abaxial purple stripes, and the ray florets are 13 to 20 mm long. The cypselae are prismatic, 1.4 to 2.5 mm long, with 5 prominent ribs. Pappi are persistent, with blunt teeth. Pollen is 70-100% 3-porate. Chromosome number is 2n = 18.
Other common names
cliff desertdandelion
Distribution
California
Synonyms
Malacothrix altissimaLeucoseris tenuifoliaMalacothrix arachnoideaMalacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoideaHieracium californicumMalacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifoliaMalacothrix saxatilis var. altissimaMalacothrix saxatilis var. tenuissimaMalacothrix saxatilis var. commutataMalacothrix arachnoideaLeucoseris saxatilisMalacothrix commutataSonchus californicusMalacothrix implicata
