Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: (Benth.) Jeps.
Bibliography: Fl. W. Calif., ed. 2: 387 (1911)
Year: 1911
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cordylanthus
Vegetable: False
Observations: California to Mexico (Baja California Norte)
Description
The Stiff-branch bird’s-beak, scientifically known as Cordylanthus rigidus, is a uniquely intriguing plant esteemed within botanical communities. Predominantly found in regions stretching from California to Baja California Norte in Mexico, this member of the Orobanchaceae family is a noteworthy specimen within the flora of Western North America.
First recorded in detail in the 1911 second edition of Flora of Western California, the Stiff-branch bird’s-beak was formally classified by (Benth.) Jeps. This classification highlights its distinctiveness and affirms its ecological range and characteristics.
Cordylanthus rigidus thrives in its native habitats, adapting well to the specific climatic and soil conditions of California and Baja California Norte. Its name gives a hint of its physical properties: the plant exhibits notably stiff branches, a defining trait that supports its durable structure.
This species is not only an integral part of its biological community but also has adapted mechanisms that allow it to survive in the often harsh conditions of its native ranges. As part of the Orobanchaceae family, it is related to other semi-parasitic plants, which often rely on host plants for nutrients.
The plant’s flowers and overall morphology add to its allure. Typically, the flowers exhibit a distinctive bird’s-beak shape, aligning with its common name and adding a unique visual appeal to the landscapes it inhabits. These flowers are an essential component of the local ecosystem, interacting with various pollinators and contributing to the region’s biodiversity.
Throughout historical botanical studies, the Stiff-branch bird’s-beak has been a subject of keen interest due to its specialized growing conditions and distinctive physical characteristics. Its presence from California to northern Baja California serves as a testament to the diverse and rich biodiversity of these areas. It remains a plant of high interest for both scientific study and environmental conservation.
Common Names
Eng: rigid bird’s-beak, stiff-branch bird’s-beak, stiffbranch bird’s beak
En: Stiff-branch bird’s-beak, Rigid bird’s-beak, Stiffbranch bird’s beak
Synonyms
- Adenostegia rigida (Benth.)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jun 10, 2013 by EOL − BJ Stacey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 23, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 6, 2010 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 15, 2011 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Donald Myrick (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Heather (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 8, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 15, 2011 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414569)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:65716-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cordylanthus rigidus (Benth.) Jeps.)