Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Torr.) Barneby
Bibliography: Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 27: 31 (1977)
Year: 1977
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Psorothamnus
Vegetable: False
Observations: California to NW. Mexico
Description
Schott’s dalea, known scientifically as Psorothamnus schottii, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. This botanical species is distinguished by its adaptive growth, predominantly flourishing in the regions extending from California to the northwestern parts of Mexico.
First described comprehensively in the scientific literature housed within the Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden in 1977, Schott’s dalea was attributed its current nomenclature by the botanist Barneby, succeeding initial classification by Torr. This perennial shrub is well adapted to the arid and semi-arid environments of its native habitat, often becoming an integral part of the desert ecosystems.
Schott’s dalea tends to exhibit a growth pattern typical of many desert-adapted plants, featuring smaller leaves and an extensive root system to maximize water absorption from the scarce rainfall of its surroundings. The plant’s ability to thrive in such harsh conditions underscores its ecological importance and resilience, contributing to its role in stabilizing soil and providing a food source for native fauna.
From an ecological perspective, Schott’s dalea underscores the diversity and specialization of desert flora within the Fabaceae family, renowned for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities that enhance soil fertility. This characteristic not only aids in its survival but also benefits the broader plant community amidst the challenging conditions of its natural habitat.
The striking appearance and ecological significance of Schott’s dalea make it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike, as its presence signifies a well-adapted species with generous contributions to its ecosystem. Such plants hold critical insights into the adaptive strategies necessary for survival in desert environments, making Schott’s dalea a key species for further research and conservation efforts.
Common Names
Eng: schott false dalea, schott’s dalea, indigobush
En: Schott’s dalea, Schott false dalea, Indigobush
Synonyms
- Dalea schottii (Torr.)
- Psorodendron schottii ((Torr.) Rydb.)
- Dalea schottii var. puberula (Munz)
- Parosela schottii ((Torr.) A.Heller)
- Parosela puberula ((Parish) Standl.)
- Parosela schottii var. puberula (Parish)
- Psorodendron puberulum ((Parish) Rydb.)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 19, 2006 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 10, 2016 by EOL − Robb Hannawacker (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2016 by EOL − Christian Schwarz (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2016 by EOL − Neil Frakes (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 28, 2016 by EOL − tphender (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2940454)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:212371-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Psorothamnus schottii (Torr.) Barneby)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub