About Phemeranthus rugospermus (Holz.) Kiger
Phemeranthus rugospermus (Holz.) Kiger is a species of flowering plant in the Montiaceae (miner's lettuce) family. Its common names are prairie fameflower, rough-seeded fameflower, sand fameflower, and flower-of-an-hour. This species is native to the central United States, ranging north from Texas and Louisiana to Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
It is a perennial herb that reaches up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in height, and has an erect stem that may be branched or unbranched. Its cylindrical leaves grow up to 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long. Pink flowers develop on a tall stalk, and the plant's seed capsules hold wrinkly seeds. Each flower opens for just one day, and only opens during the afternoon.
Phemeranthus rugospermus grows in open habitats with little competition from other plants, common examples include rock outcrops, sandy areas, and open woods. It also occurs on dunes along the banks of the Mississippi River. It benefits from low levels of disturbance, such as wildfires. Human-caused disturbance like off-road vehicle activity can sometimes be beneficial for the species too. Associated plant species in its native habitat include Andropogon scoparius, Selaginella rupestris, Opuntia compressa, Panicum virgatum, Allium stellatum, Isanthus brachiatus, Houstonia longifolia, and Ambrosia artemisiifolia.
