About Pogogyne abramsii J.T.Howell
Pogogyne abramsii J.T.Howell is a small, aromatic annual herb that is covered in dense hairs. It produces erect stems, which are topped with tiny but showy inflorescences. Each inflorescence holds purple-tinged green bracts and densely hairy sepals, which surround lipped, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower is roughly one centimeter long, pinkish-purple in color, and has a white throat marked with purple spots. This plant has a strong mint scent. It is pollinated by several bee species, including Apis mellifera (honey bees), Exomalopsis nitens, and E. torticornis, as well as the bee fly Bombylius facialis. The specific epithet abramsii was chosen to commemorate LeRoy Abrams. This species is endemic to San Diego County, California, and is only found at a small number of vernal pool sites in and around the city of San Diego and its suburbs. A large portion of the plant’s known range falls on the grounds of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. It has been listed as a federally endangered species in the United States since 1978.
