Sandpaper Plant
Petalonyx thurberi
Drawn from specimen found at Vekol Wash, Maricopa Co., AZ. Enlarged view of flower, calyx and bract at upper left.
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LEAVES: The stiff, abrasive-textured leaves are unique; indeed they
resemble sandpaper.
RANGE: Sonoran Desert, usually growing within sandy washes. Ranges into
the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada.
SUBSHRUB/SHRUB: This plant sometimes grows low to the ground and above
ground portions are only slightly woody. A meter-tall specimen in the Sonoran
Desert would be a large specimen. During winter or extended drought this plant
may be difficult or impossible to find.
FLOWERS: The small, white flowers have a unique structure as shown at
upper left. Four or five petals have long, thin claws and conspicuous white
stamens are excerted. Each flower is subtended by a triangular bract that later
turns papery white. The flowers are borne on spikes and are crowded towards
tip. Mid spring to fall.
UNARMED: No spines or thorns.
Loasaceae -- Loasa Family
More Information:
- USDA Plant Profile
- Jepson Manual
- ITIS Taxanomic Report
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search
This image is hosted at Wikimedia Commons and was taken along the Gila River in Maricopa Co., Arizona on 11 Oct. 2007.