Aletes humilis
Aletes humilis is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family known by the common names Colorado aletes and Larimer aletes. It is native to Colorado in the United States; it is also known from Wyoming, but there are no recent collections there.[1]
| Aletes humilis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | A. humilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Aletes humilis | |
This plant forms a mound or cushion up to 10 centimeters tall by 20 wide. The thick, leathery, bright green leaves have toothed edges.[1][2] The leaves have a celery-like or "soapy" scent.[3] The short inflorescence has yellow flowers.
This plant grows in cracks and crevices on rock outcrops and cliffs. The habitat is dry.[2] The vegetation is a sparse mix of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Other plants in the habitat include quaking aspen, fivepetal cliffbush kinnikinnick, common juniper, wax currant, littleflower alumroot, bigflower cinquefoil, mountain muhly, and needle and thread grass.[3]
This species was first discovered in Larimer County, Colorado, in the 1890s.[3] Today there are about 39 known occurrences.[1]
References
- Aletes humilis. The Nature Conservancy.
- Aletes humilis. Archived 2011-10-26 at the Wayback Machine Center for Plant Conservation.
- Moore, L. and S. Friedley. Aletes humilis Coult. & Rose (Colorado aletes): A Technical Conservation Assessment. Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Species Conservation Project. September 24, 2004.