Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

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

Rafinesquia neomexicana Gray
(Desert Chicory)

Family: Asteraceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Nemoseris neomexicana (Gray) Greene

Rafinesquia neomexicana is a showy plant with white rays usually with pink or purple veins visible abaxially (underneath.) The rays have about 5 small teeth at the apex which is otherwise flattened. The upper leaves are clasping and pinnatifid. The achenes are bristles that are plumose proximally. Rafinesquia neomexicana is found in lower elevation arid habitats.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Rafinesquia neomexicana, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 16, 2010



Rafinesquia neomexicana, inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 16, 2010



Rafinesquia neomexicana, plant measurement in lab (standard 15cm ruler), photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 16, 2010



Rafinesquia neomexicana, inflorescence measurement, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 16, 2010



Rafinesquia neomexicana, lower cauline leaf measurement, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 16, 2010



Rafinesquia neomexicana, immature achene measurement, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 16, 2010



Rafinesquia neomexicana, growing with Mesquite and Phacelia, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, April 20, 2010


Back to the Index