Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Carpochaete bigeliovii Gray
(Bigelow's Bristlehead)
Family: Asteraceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
None
Carpochaete bigeliovii has slender sometimes almost viney branches with fascicles
of leaves in the axils. The flowers are white or rose colored with five long terminal lobes and are individually larger than most flowers in composite flowerheads. The inital impression is not necessarily that of an obvious member of the Asteraceae. The long and conspicuously two parted stigma is strongly exerted. As with all Asteraceae, the stamens are fused. The stamens of Carpochaete bigelovii are completely hidden within the long floral tubes. There are typically 3 or 4 florets per discoid flower head (no ray flowers.) The phyllaries and leaves are gland dotted. The elongate pappus scales are purple, plumose near the tip and hyaline margined.
Please click on an image for a larger file.

Carpochaete bigeliovii, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Wild Horse Cyn., Apr. 4, 2007

Carpochaete bigeliovii, inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Jan. 29, 2009

Carpochaete bigeliovii, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Jan. 29, 2009

Carpochaete bigeliovii, 1x macro of floral tube opened revealing fused anthers, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Jan. 29, 2009

Carpochaete bigeliovii, 1x macro of cypsela (achene & pappus) with clear margined purple elongate scales, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Jan. 29, 2009

Carpochaete bigeliovii, 1x macro of gland dotted leaves in fascicles, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, Jan. 29, 2009

Carpochaete bigeliovii, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, April 5, 2009

Carpochaete bigeliovii, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, April 5, 2009

Carpochaete bigeliovii, closeup of inflorescences, photo Angela Flanders, Burro Mtns., C Bar Ranch Road, Feb. 28, 2008
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