Lineleaf Whitepuff
Oligomeris linifolia
Photographed near Robbins Butte, Maricopa Co., Arizona. March 9, 2008. I have uploaded this photo to Wikimedia Commons where it use is governed by the GNU Free Documentation license
FLOWERS: The very odd flower structure is best appreciated under a
dissecting microscope: Two small white petals, three stamens and four sepals.
The flowers are small and arranged into a spike above the leafy portion of the
plant.
ANNUAL: Mostly obscure, spring annual and mostly much shorter than ½ meter
tall.
LEAVES: Leaves are linear and grass-like. The foliage is mostly free of
hairs.
RANGE: Not uncommon in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona but not showy and
thus often hard to find. Present only in years with adequate rainfall. Likely
habitat is sandy soil that may be alkaline.
FRUIT: The capsules are four-parted with a distinct depression at the
top.
UNARMED. No spines/thorns.