About Chylismia cardiophylla Small
Nomenclature and Common Name
Chylismia cardiophylla Small is a species of evening primrose, commonly called heartleaf suncup.
Native Distribution
It is native to the deserts of northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States, where it grows in sandy and rocky habitats within desert scrub.
Plant Habit and Size
This species is an annual or perennial herb that reaches a maximum height of around one meter, and can grow either as a single erect stem or a low, bushy plant.
Leaf Morphology
Its leaves grow up to roughly 5 centimeters long, are oval or roughly heart-shaped, and have rippling or bluntly toothed edges.
Inflorescence Structure
It produces nodding inflorescences that are dense clusters of flowers; each individual cup-shaped flower sits on a stout pedicel.
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are yellow or cream-colored with petals 3 to 12 millimeters long, and they typically stay closed during the day.
Fruit Morphology
Its fruit is a capsule measuring 2 to 5 centimeters long.
