Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

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

Psacalium decompositum (Gray) H.E. Robinson & Brett
(Indian Desertbush)


Family: Asteraceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Cacalia decomposita Gray
Mesadenia decomposita (Gray) Standley

Psacalium decompositum is a distinctive plant that apparently reaches its most northern distribution here in New Mexico (and Arizona.) The mainly basal leaves are highly dissected with linear ultimate segments, and are quite large. The inflorescence is scapose and two to three feet tall. Psacalium decompositum is found in openings in the Ponderosa Pine forest.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Psacalium decompositum, photo Russ Kleinman & Patrick Alexander, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak Road, Aug. 30, 2009



Psacalium decompositum, closeup of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Patrick Alexander, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak Road, Aug. 30, 2009



Psacalium decompositum, basal jumble of leaves, photo Russ Kleinman & Patrick Alexander, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak Road, Aug. 30, 2009



Psacalium decompositum, clusters of flowerheads at top of scape, photo Russ Kleinman & Patrick Alexander, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak Road, Aug. 30, 2009



Psacalium decompositum, field macro of florets, photo Russ Kleinman & Patrick Alexander, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak Road, Aug. 30, 2009


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