Status: Native
Synonyms:
By var., see Allred
Polanisia dodecandra is a common plant in streambeds, but is also adapts to
rocky mountains sides and even mine tailings. It is found in lower to middle
elevations. The flowers have white petals with red stamens. The capsules are
strongly ascending. Polanisia dodecandra has a strong and somewhat unpleasant odor when
crushed. The capsules are long and narrow frequently have persistant stamens and only open at the top. They disperse the numerous small seeds they contain effectively however. The seeds are snail-shaped and are decorated (roughened) with a pattern of rows of minute ridges and valleys.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Polanisia dodecandra, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Tyrone Ridge Access Rd. 5 miles south of Silver City, October 10, 2009
Polanisia dodecandra, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Werney Mine
Polanisia dodecandra, closeup of flower head, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Burro Mtns., CF Canyon, June 5, 2007
Polanisia dodecandra, ruptured capsule, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CF Canyon, Dec. 21, 2008
Polanisia dodecandra, 1x macro of seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CF Canyon, Dec. 21, 2008
Polanisia dodecandra, 2x macro of seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CF Canyon, Dec. 21, 2008
Polanisia dodecandra, closeup of flower head, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris & Denise Friedrick, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, June 7, 2009
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