Fagonia
Fagonia laevis
Sketched from live specimen
These open flowers of Fagonia laevis were observed in the Plomosa Mts., La Paz Co., Arizona, USA on 01 March 2009.
ARMED: At each node where the leaves attach are four, curved, sharp
spines.
FLOWERS: The five reddish-purple petals have long claw-bases.
SUB-SHRUB: Mostly herbaceous perennial usu. less than
20 cm tall; lower portions and crown woody.
LEAVES: Compound, opposite leaves have three elyptic leaflets. Sticky
glands present on foliage.
RANGE: Southwestern Arizona and southeastern California and hence into
deserts of northwest Mexico. Rocky slopes and on wash banks.
FRUIT: A five-lobed capsule.