Asclepias ruthiae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Asclepias ruthiae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Asclepias ruthiae in flower | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Species: | A. ruthiae |
| Binomial name | |
| Asclepias ruthiae Maguire | |
Asclepias ruthiae is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is endemic to Utah in the western United States, where it grows in desert and shrubland habitats.[1][2]
The species was first described by botanist Bassett Maguire in 1941 from material collected in the San Rafael Swell of Utah.[3] It has historically been treated as a variety or subspecies of Asclepias uncialis, but is currently accepted as a distinct species.[2]
Description
Asclepias ruthiae is a perennial herb with multiple stems arising from a caudex. The stems are suberect and reach approximately 10–15 cm in height. Leaves are broadly ovate, 2.2–4.5 cm long, with a pubescent surface and short petioles.[3]
The inflorescences are small, umbel-like clusters bearing 2–7 flowers. The flowers have a pale grayish-violet corolla with reflexed lobes and a distinctive corona structure. Fruits are erect, curved follicles measuring up to 4–5 cm in length.[3]
The species is part of a complex including Asclepias brachystephana, Asclepias uncialis, and Asclepias cutleri, but differs in its broader leaves and shorter corona hood lobules.[3]