Cardionema ramosissima (Weinm.) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.

Taxonomic Identity

Cardionema ramosissima (Weinm.) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr. is a prostrate perennial herb.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems grow 5 to 30 centimeters (2.0 to 11.8 inches) long and form dense mats, with a pubescent covering of fine hairs across the entire plant. Stems are often hidden by numerous 4 to 8 millimeter (0.16 to 0.31 inch) long stipules that fill the spaces between leaves.

Leaf Morphology

Its leaves are needle-shaped with a fine sharp spine at the tip, measure 5 to 13 millimeters (0.20 to 0.51 inches) long, and are hairless (glabrous).

Inflorescence Traits

The plant produces small, unnoticeable inflorescences that are axillary cymes holding 1 to 5 flowers. The flowers are densely hairy all over, and feature a small cup-shaped hypanthium.

Sepal Features

Each of the 5 sepals has an awn measuring 1.5 to 4 millimeters (0.059 to 0.157 inches) long.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit is a small, narrowly ovate utricle that is 1.4 to 1.6 millimeters (0.055 to 0.063 inches) long.

Seed Dispersal Mechanism

After fruiting, the sepals harden into a tough, burlike structure that surrounds the utricle to help with seed dispersal.

Habitat and Uses

This dense mat-forming species grows as a thick blanket over sand, and can be used for erosion control on beaches.

General Distribution Pattern

Cardionema ramosissima has a disjunct distribution across both American continents, and approaches an amphitropical distribution pattern but does not technically qualify as such because its range extends into the Andes in the tropics.

North American Coastal Range

In North America, it occurs along the Pacific coast from Puget Sound in Washington, south through Oregon and California, to Baja California as far south as San Quintín. It grows most often directly along the coast, and occasionally grows further inland on hills and dunes.

Introduced Range and Mexico Distribution

It is also considered an introduced species on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It grows throughout central Mexico, specifically in the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and in Mexico City.

Colombian Andes Distribution

In South America, it is found in the Colombian Andes at elevations between 2,600 and 3,125 meters (8,530 to 10,253 feet) in the departments of Boyacá and Cundinamarca.

Ecuadorian Andes Distribution

In the Ecuadorian Andes, it occurs at elevations between 2,000 and 4,500 meters (6,600 to 14,800 feet) in the provinces of Cañar, Chimborazo, Imbabura and Pichincha.

Southern South America Distribution

It is widespread across Chile and Argentina in the Southern Cone of South America, and occurs less commonly in southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.