''Datisca glomerata'' is a species of plant native to California, Nevada, and Baja California known by the common name Durango root. It is one of only two to four species in the plant family
Datiscaceae
The Datiscaceae are a family of dicotyledonous plants, containing two species of the genus ''Datisca''. Two other genera, ''Octomeles'' and ''Tetrameles'', are now classified in the family Tetramelaceae.
Datiscaceae are large herbaceous plants, ...
. It is an erect perennial herb with distinctive long, pointed, often sharply serrated leaves. It is said to superficially resemble ''
Cannabis
''Cannabis'' () is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized: ''Cannabis sativa'', '' C. indica'', and '' C. ruderalis''. Alternatively ...
'' species. Its yellowish green flowers grow in clusters from the axilla of the leaf, where it joins the stem. A thick stand of the plant can form a medium-sized bush. All parts of this plant are toxic and in some areas it is considered a
noxious weed
A noxious weed, harmful weed or injurious weed is a weed that has been designated by an agricultural or other governing authority as a plant that is injurious to agricultural or horticultural crops, natural habitats or ecosystems, or humans or liv ...
. It is reported to be poisonous to cattle.
[Joseph M. DiTomaso]
'List of Plants Reported to be Poisonous to Animals in the United States'.
It is also one of a rare group of
androdioecious
Androdioecy is a reproductive system characterized by the coexistence of males and hermaphrodites. Androdioecy is rare in comparison with the other major reproductive systems: dioecy, gynodioecy and hermaphroditism. In animals, androdioecy has bee ...
species.
References
External links
Datisca glomerata @The Jepson Herbarium
Datiscaceae
Plants described in 1871
Taxa named by Henri Ernest Baillon
Taxa named by Carl Borivoj Presl
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