''Fallugia'' is a
monotypic genus of
flowering plants containing the single species ''Fallugia paradoxa'', which is known by the common names Apache plume and póñil. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is found in arid habitats such as
desert woodlands and scrub.
Description
''Fallugia paradoxa'' is an erect shrub not exceeding two meters in height. It has light gray or whitish peeling bark on its many thin branches. The leaves are each about a centimeter long and deeply lobed with the edges rolled under. The upper surface of the leaf is green and hairy while the underside is duller in color and scaly.
The flower is roselike when new, with rounded white petals and a center filled with many thready
stamen
The stamen (plural ''stamina'' or ''stamens'') is the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower. Collectively the stamens form the androecium., p. 10
Morphology and terminology
A stamen typically consists of a stalk called the filame ...
s and
pistils. The ovary of the flower remains after the white petals fall away, leaving many plumelike lavender styles, each 3 to 5 centimeters long. The plant may be covered with these dark pinkish clusters of curling, feathery styles after flowering. Each style is attached to a developing fruit, which is a small
achene
An achene (; ), also sometimes called akene and occasionally achenium or achenocarp, is a type of simple dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. Achenes are monocarpellate (formed from one carpel) and indehiscent (they do not ope ...
. The fruit is dispersed when the wind catches the styles and blows them away. Wasps such as ''
Polistes instabilis'' commonly feed on its nectar.
Uses
''Fallugia paradoxa'' is considered valuable for erosion control in desert areas where it grows.
References
External links
Jepson Manual Treatment - ''Fallugia paradoxa''USDA Plants Profile; ''Fallugia paradoxa''''Fallugia paradoxa'' - Photo gallery
Colurieae
Monotypic Rosaceae genera
Flora of the California desert regions
North American desert flora
Flora of the Southwestern United States
Flora of New Mexico
Flora without expected TNC conservation status
{{Rosoideae-stub