Silene laciniata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Silene
Species:
S. laciniata
Binomial name
Silene laciniata
Silene laciniata, Elfin Forest Natural Area, California

Silene laciniata is a perennial herb in the family (Caryophyllaceae), commonly known as fringed Indian pink, cardinal catchfly,[1] Mexican campion,[2] Mexican-pink,[3] and campion.[4]

It is native to the southwestern United States from California to Texas, as well as northern Mexico.

Description

Growth pattern

Silene laciniata grows from a taproot and has one or many decumbent to erect stems which may exceed a meter (3 ft.) in height. many stems.[4]

Leaves and stems

The slender, branching stem is glandular and sticky.

The lance-shaped leaves are up to about 10 centimeters long by 2 wide, with smaller ones occurring on upper parts of the plant.

Inflorescence and fruit

The inflorescence may have one flower or many, each on a long pedicel. The flower has a tubular green or reddish calyx of fused sepals which is lined with ten prominent veins. The five bright red petals are each divided deeply into 4 to 6 long, pointed lobes, sometimes appearing fringed.

The pistil has three parts.[4] There are ten stamens.[4]

Subspecies

Subspecies include:

  • Silene laciniata subsp. brandegeei
  • Silene laciniata subsp. californica
  • Silene laciniata subsp. greggii
  • Silene laciniata subsp. laciniata
  • Silene laciniata subsp. major [5]

References

  1. USDA
  2. Quattrocchi, Umberto (2012-05-03). CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology (5 Volume Set). CRC Press. ISBN 9781420080445.
  3. Southwestern and Texas Wildflowers, Niehaus/Ripper/Savage, 1984, pp 296-297
  4. 1 2 3 4 Flowering Plants of the Santa Monica Mountains, Nancy Dale, 2nd Ed., pp 92-93
  5. Jepson Manual: Silene laciniata subsp. major
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