Silene laciniata

Silene laciniata is a perennial herb in the family (Caryophyllaceae), commonly known as fringed Indian pink, cardinal catchfly,[1] Mexican campion,[2] Mexican-pink,[3] and campion.[4]

Silene laciniata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Silene
Species:
S. laciniata
Binomial name
Silene laciniata
Silene laciniata, Elfin Forest Natural Area, California

It is native to the southwestern United States from California to Texas, as well as northern Mexico.

Description

Growth pattern

Silene laciniata grows from a taproot and has one or many decumbent to erect stems which may exceed a meter (3 ft.) in height. many stems.[4]

Leaves and stems

The slender, branching stem is glandular and sticky.

The lance-shaped leaves are up to about 10 centimeters long by 2 wide, with smaller ones occurring on upper parts of the plant.

Inflorescence and fruit

The inflorescence may have one flower or many, each on a long pedicel. The flower has a tubular green or reddish calyx of fused sepals which is lined with ten prominent veins. The five bright red petals are each divided deeply into 4 to 6 long, pointed lobes, sometimes appearing fringed.

The pistil has three parts.[4] There are ten stamens.[4]

Subspecies

Subspecies include:

  • Silene laciniata subsp. brandegeei
  • Silene laciniata subsp. californica
  • Silene laciniata subsp. greggii
  • Silene laciniata subsp. laciniata
  • Silene laciniata subsp. major [5]

References
  1. USDA
  2. Quattrocchi, Umberto (2012-05-03). CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology (5 Volume Set). CRC Press. ISBN 9781420080445.
  3. Southwestern and Texas Wildflowers, Niehaus/Ripper/Savage, 1984, pp 296-297
  4. Flowering Plants of the Santa Monica Mountains, Nancy Dale, 2nd Ed., pp 92-93
  5. Jepson Manual: Silene laciniata subsp. major
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