Fiddlenecks

There are two taxa in Arizona, Amsinckia menziesii intermedia and Amsinckia tessellata. These are difficult to separate from one another at a glance, but floral characters are useful - the calyx specifically. In the more common and widespread Amsinckia menziesii intermedia the five calyx lobes are all of equal size and separate from one another. The calyx of the less common Amsinckia tessellata is zygomorphic and usually one pair of the lobes will be partially fused along the margin resulting in a notched lobe.
A. tessellata is generally less common and seems to prefer a more moist habitat. Its leaves are also a bit wider as a rule. The two species can be found together in a population.

Posted on January 28, 2024 04:07 PM by stevejones