Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Phemeranthus brevifolius (Torrey) Hershkovitz
(Pygmy Flamethrower)
Family: Montiaceae, formerly Portulacaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Talinum brevifolium Torrey
Talinum brachypodum S. Watson
Phemeranthus brevifolius has a striking purple flower and leaves that are terete (round in cross section.) Unlike
the genus Portulaca in which the capsules open in a circumcissile fashion, the capsules in P. brevifolius open
by valves peeling down from the apex. The branches and inflorescence are glabrous, and it is a perennial from a thick
caudex.
It is found at lower elevation on rocky slopes in the Gila.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Phemeranthus brevifolius, photo Rod Rees, Hell's Half Acre, October 1, 2011
Phemeranthus brevifolius, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Hell's Half Acre, October 13, 2019
Phemeranthus brevifolius, closeup of branch with bud, photo Russ Kleinman, Hell's Half Acre, October 13, 2019
Phemeranthus brevifolius, perennial root/caudex, photo Russ Kleinman, Hell's Half Acre, October 13, 2019
Phemeranthus brevifolius, closeup of capsule, photo Russ Kleinman, Hell's Half Acre, October 13, 2019
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