Silene laciniata is a perennial herb in the family (Caryophyllaceae), commonly known as fringed Indian pink, cardinal catchfly,[1] Mexican campion,[2] Mexican-pink,[3] and campion.[4]
| Silene laciniata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Silene |
| Species: | S. laciniata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Silene laciniata | |
It is native to the southwestern United States from California to Texas, as well as northern Mexico.
Description edit
Growth pattern edit
Silene laciniata grows from a taproot and has one or many decumbent[citation needed] to erect[citation needed] stems which may exceed a meter (3 ft.)[citation needed] in height. many stems.[4]
Leaves and stems edit
The slender, branching stem is glandular and sticky.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to about 10 centimeters long by 2 wide, with smaller ones occurring on upper parts of the plant.
Inflorescence and fruit edit
The inflorescence may have one flower or many, each on a long pedicel. The flower has a tubular green or reddish calyx of fused sepals which is lined with ten prominent veins. The five bright red petals are each divided deeply into 4 to 6 long, pointed lobes, sometimes appearing fringed.
Subspecies edit
Subspecies include:
- Silene laciniata subsp. brandegeei
- Silene laciniata subsp. californica
- Silene laciniata subsp. greggii
- Silene laciniata subsp. laciniata
- Silene laciniata subsp. major [5]
References edit
- ^ USDA
- ^ Quattrocchi, Umberto (2012-05-03). CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology (5 Volume Set). CRC Press. ISBN 9781420080445.
- ^ Southwestern and Texas Wildflowers, Niehaus/Ripper/Savage, 1984, pp 296-297
- ^ a b c d Flowering Plants of the Santa Monica Mountains, Nancy Dale, 2nd Ed., pp 92-93
- ^ Jepson Manual: Silene laciniata subsp. major
External links edit
- CalFlora Database: Silene laciniata (cardinal catchfly)
- USDA Plants Profile for Silene laciniata (cardinal catchfly)
- Jepson eFlora: Silene laciniata
- Flora of North America
- Silene laciniata — U.C. Photo gallery
