Family: Amaranthaceae
Author: (Nutt.) Standl.
Bibliography: J. Washington Acad. Sci. 6: 70 (1916)
Year: 1916
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tidestromia
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. & C. U.S.A. to N. Mexico, Dominican Rep.
Description
Woolly tidestromia, scientifically known as Tidestromia lanuginosa, is a distinctive and fascinating member of the Amaranthaceae family. This resilient plant is noted for its woolly texture, from which it derives its common name.
Native to a broad range stretching from the west-central and central United States down to northern Mexico and even extending to the Dominican Republic, woolly tidestromia thrives in these varied terrains. The plant was first described in detail in 1916 in the Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences by Nuttall, and the description was later refined by Standley.
Thriving in arid and semi-arid environments, Tidestromia lanuginosa is adapted to withstand harsh conditions, making it a valuable component of the ecosystems it inhabits. Its survival strategy involves developing a dense covering of woolly hairs, which not only gives the plant its unique appearance but also helps to reduce water loss and protect against intense sunlight.
Woolly tidestromia is a low-growing herbaceous perennial, often forming sprawling mats across the ground. The foliage is typically a soft, silvery-gray color due to the fine hairs covering the leaves. This feature is not just for show; it serves to reflect sunlight and keep the plant cool, which is particularly important in the hot, dry climates it is accustomed to.
In addition to its functional adaptations, woolly tidestromia produces small, inconspicuous flowers that blend well with its foliage. These blooms usually appear in clusters, contributing to the plant’s overall texture and visual interest. While not particularly showy, the flowers are an important aspect of its reproductive strategy.
Ecologically, Tidestromia lanuginosa plays a crucial role in its native habitats by helping to stabilize soil and provide a food source for various insects. Its resilience and adaptability make it an excellent subject of study for understanding how plants can survive and even thrive in challenging environments.
The historical significance of woolly tidestromia, and its botanical journeys from formal identification to detailed classification, underscores its importance within the plant kingdom. Understanding and preserving such species is essential for maintaining biodiversity and the health of ecosystems across its native range.
Common Names
Spa: espanta vaqueros
Eng: honeymat, woolly tidestromia
Swe: bomullsamarant
En: Woolly tidestromia, Honeymat
Es: Espanta vaqueros
Sv: Bomullsamarant
Synonyms
- Alternanthera lanuginosa ((Nutt.) Moq.)
- Cladothrix lanuginosa ((Nutt.) Nutt. ex S.Watson)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Terry Miller (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2020 by Déogratias NEPA (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Altamirano Schelby (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Terry Miller (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2014 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2011 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2011 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (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/3085007)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:253345-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tidestromia lanuginosa (Nutt.) Standl.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
