Small 5-petal

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Andrey Zharkikh, May 24, 2010.

  1. Andrey Zharkikh

    Andrey Zharkikh Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    I am at loss with this one. At first glance it looked like Colomia. But there is no distinct sepals and petals. I think these are sepals. The petals are probably reduces to tiny bumps between sepals (like the fornices in Cryptantha). The perianth is very fragile. Something from Crassulaceae? Checked all of them in Utah list - no match.
    Any ideas?
     

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  2. David in L A

    David in L A Active Member 10 Years

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    Comandra?
     
  3. Andrey Zharkikh

    Andrey Zharkikh Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Great! Thank you David! This is Comandra umbellata, a single Utah species from Santalaceae and I missed it. I looked back in the key and, of course, it was my confusion between petals and sepals. "Petals are lacking" should be the choice. Plus, sometimes it is so difficult to tell inferior ovary (this case) from superior one, even when you tear the flower in pieces.
     

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