Velvet-leaf Gaura
Gaura mollis
(Gaura parviflora)
Observed in a moist flood basin in Glendale, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. June 2011.
FLOWERS: Small, rather inconspicuous, pale, pink flowrs have the usual
four petals arranged to one side of the flower. Also notice the notch in the
petals that is characteristic of many evening primroses. Some plants have
pinker flowers, others paler. The stamens are long, excerted. Tall spikes with
many flowers may have the top portion nodding over.
ANNUAL : A late spring annual found in moist soil near riparian areas or
along ditch banks. Plants may reach two meters in height under ideal
conditions.
LEAVES: Leaves rather large (some > 8cm long) towards the base of
plant but progressively smaller towards top. Soft and usually with sticky pubesence.
RANGE: In the Sonoran Desert this plant is restricted to moist or
riparian habitats. Otherwise it is widely distributed in North America.
FRUIT: Small, hard capsules borne below the petals and sepals of the
flower.
UNARMED