Crossosoma bigelovii

Crossosoma bigelovii, known by the common name ragged rockflower, is one of only a few species in the flowering plant family Crossosomataceae.

Crossosoma bigelovii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Crossosomatales
Family: Crossosomataceae
Genus: Crossosoma
Species:
C. bigelovii
Binomial name
Crossosoma bigelovii
Synonyms

Crossosoma parviflorum Rob. & Fern.

It is native to the Mojave, Chihuahuan, and Sonoran Deserts of North America. It has been reported from the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora.[1]

Description

The species is a shrub that grows up to 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft) tall. It is intricately divided into thorn-tipped branches lined with clusters of small, deciduous, gray-green leaves no longer than about 1.5 centimeters. The inflorescence bears a single flower, which has 5 white to purple-tinged petals about a centimeter long and narrowing to claws at their bases.[1]

Uses

Ragged rockflower is occasionally used as an ornamental plant in habitat gardens and natural landscaping. It can be grown from seed in well-drained soil for a desert butterfly garden. It is a difficult plant for the average homeowner to grow, as over-watering will kill it.[2]

References
  1. Mason, C.T. Crossosomataceae, Crossosome Family. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 26:7-9.
  2. Soule, J.A. 2012. Butterfly Gardening in Southern Arizona. Tierra del Sol Press. Tucson, AZ.


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