Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

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

Elytraria imbricata (Vahl) Persoon
(Purple Scalystem)


Family: Acanthaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Elytraria tridentata Vahl
Justicia imbricata Vahl
Tubiflora squamosa (Jacquin) Kuntze

Elytraria imbricata is a curious appearing herb appearing among the rocks in the arid Peloncillos. The leaves are not easily seen and are present as a basal cluster. The stems are present as scapes with many small bracts looking much like the leaves of a Selaginella.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Elytraria imbricata, photo Russ Kleinman, Charles Holmes, Leith Young, Mel Moe & Richard Felger, Peloncillo Mtns. near Rodeo, March 12, 2010



Elytraria imbricata, closeup of last year's scape, photo Russ Kleinman, Charles Holmes, Leith Young, Mel Moe & Richard Felger, Peloncillo Mtns. near Rodeo, March 12, 2010



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