Whitebract blazingstar (Mentzelia involucrata, Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 20: 367 (1885))

Family: Loasaceae

Author: S.Watson

Bibliography: Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 20: 367 (1885)

Year: 1885

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mentzelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: California to Arizona and NW. Mexico

Description

Whitebract blazingstar, scientifically known as Mentzelia involucrata, is a captivating plant species identified by the esteemed botanist S. Watson in his 1885 publication in the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts. This remarkable species belongs to the family Loasaceae, a group notable for its unique floral structures and ecological adaptability.

Whitebract blazingstar thrives in the diverse and often rugged landscapes spanning from California to Arizona and extending into the northwestern regions of Mexico. These areas, characterized by their varied climate conditions and soil types, provide the ideal environment for this resilient plant to flourish.

The distinctive features of Mentzelia involucrata are highlighted by its striking white bracts, which distinguish it from other members of the Mentzelia genus. These bracts serve not only as a visual allure but also play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive strategy, attracting pollinators and ensuring successful propagation in its native habitats.

Adapted to survive in arid and semi-arid regions, Whitebract blazingstar showcases a robust growth habit. Its ability to withstand drought conditions and poor soil quality is a testament to its evolutionary success in some of the more challenging climates of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This adaptability also makes it an interesting subject for botanical studies focused on plant survival mechanisms in extreme environments.

In summary, Mentzelia involucrata, or Whitebract blazingstar, is a fascinating and resilient member of the Loasaceae family, celebrated for its unique floral characteristics and adaptability to diverse, often harsh environments. Its presence in the botanical collections and literature, first chronicled by S. Watson in the late 19th century, continues to intrigue and inspire botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: white bract stickleaf, whitebract blazingstar
En: Whitebract blazingstar, White bract stickleaf

Synonyms

• Bicuspidaria involucrata ((S.Watson) Rydb.)
• Mentzelia involucrata var. megalantha (I.M.Johnst.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 4, 1999 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2006 by EOL − F. Albert Ellis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2009 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 14, 2013 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 25, 2002 by EOL − Glenn and Martha Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2006 by EOL − F. Albert Ellis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2005 by EOL − Richard Zmasek (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2005 by EOL − Richard Zmasek (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2005 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© 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/5331497)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322064-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mentzelia involucrata S. Watson)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth