Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Monardella odoratissima Bentham
(Fragrant Monardella, Fragrant Mountainbalm)


Family: Lamiaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Madronella parvifolia (Greene) Rydberg
Monardella parvifolia (Greene)

Monardella odoratissima grows from an impressively heavy and shreddy rootstock. The flowerheads are terminal, lavender, and have four fertile divaricate (spreading) anthers on each flower. The calyx has five equal, erect teeth and is many-nerved. The four nutlets are distinct but attached at the base. Monardella odoratissima is found at middle elevation in the mixed conifer forest growing out of cracks in the rocky walls.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Monardella odoratissima, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Richard Felger & Leith Young, Mogollon Mtns., Bursum Road, August 1, 2009



Monardella odoratissima, closeup of (terminal with four anthers per flower) flowerhead, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Richard Felger & Leith Young, Mogollon Mtns., Bursum Road, August 1, 2009



Monardella odoratissima, closeup of leaves, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Richard Felger & Leith Young, Mogollon Mtns., Bursum Road, August 1, 2009



Monardella odoratissima, closeup of opened calyx showing all teeth except the fifth one hidden behind (and 2-3 nerves to each tooth for a total of about 10-15), photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Richard Felger & Leith Young, Mogollon Mtns., Bursum Road, August 1, 2009



Monardella odoratissima, 4x macro of four distinct and basally attached nutlets, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Richard Felger & Leith Young, Mogollon Mtns., Bursum Road, August 1, 2009



Monardella odoratissima, showing heavy rootstock and base, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris, Richard Felger & Leith Young, Mogollon Mtns., Bursum Road, August 1, 2009



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