Pungent Glossopetalon
(Glossopetalon pungens )
Crossosomataceae

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Description: Shrub 2-8 inches (5-20cm) tall, low and matted. Stems not thorny and with-out hairs. Leaves football shaped, spine tipped, and 1/4 - 3/8 inches long. Inflorescence has terminal (at the tip of a structure) flowers. Flower contains 5 white petals 1/4 -3/4 inches (6-8mm) long, and 5 pear-shaped sepals with a long, tappered, sharp tip, and 2-3 that are spine-tipped. Fruit is a leathery follicle less than 1 millimeter long, and contains a light brown seed less than 1 millimeter long. 

Distribution:

Habitat: Limestone cliffs, pinyon-juniper woodland. Elevation 5500-6500 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms May - June

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B