About Pogogyne abramsii J.T.Howell
Species Nomenclature & Basic Habit
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.
Inflorescence Structure
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.
Scent
This plant has a strong mint scent.
Pollinators
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.
Etymology of Epithet
The specific epithet abramsii was chosen to commemorate LeRoy Abrams.
Distribution Range
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.
Range Overlap with Military Property
A large portion of the plant’s known range falls on the grounds of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Conservation Status
It has been listed as a federally endangered species in the United States since 1978.
