''Systenotheca'' is a monotypic plant genus in the
buckwheat family
The Polygonaceae are a family of flowering plants known informally as the knotweed family or smartweed—buckwheat family in the United States. The name is based on the genus ''Polygonum'', and was first used by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu in 178 ...
containing the single species ''Systenotheca vortriedei'', which is known by the common name Vortriede's spineflower.
Description
This is a small
annual plant
An annual plant is a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within one growing season, and then dies. The length of growing seasons and period in which they take place vary according to geographical l ...
growing to a maximum of 15 centimeters in height, and easily identifiable with its red stems and foliage and white flowers.
Distribution
This wildflower is
endemic to
California, where it is native to the
Santa Lucia Mountains
The Santa Lucia Mountains (sæntə luˈsiːə) or Santa Lucia Range is a rugged mountain range in coastal central California, running from Carmel southeast for to the Cuyama River in San Luis Obispo County. The range is never more than from ...
of the
central coast. This is an uncommon plant in its small native range where it grows in
serpentine soil at some elevation.
References
External links
Jepson Manual TreatmentPhoto gallery
Monotypic Polygonaceae genera
Endemic flora of California
Santa Lucia Range
Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands
Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Natural history of Monterey County, California
Natural history of San Luis Obispo County, California
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