Hesperomecon linearis
Pittonia 5: 146. 1903.
Plants 0.3-4 dm, sparsely pilose to densely hirsute. Leaves mostly basal, 0.5-8.5 cm; blade linear; margins entire. Inflorescences: peduncle 2.5-38 cm; bud globose to ovoid-cylindric. Flowers: petals white to cream colored, sometimes with yellow tips, sometimes tinged red in age, narrowly ovate to obovate, 0.3-2 × 0.2-1 cm, apex acute to obtuse; ovary ovoid-ellipsoid; stigmas deltoid, margins revolute. Capsules ovoid, to 1.5 cm. Seeds dark, shining, smooth. 2n = 14.
Phenology: Flowering early–late spring.
Habitat: Open, grassy areas in grasslands, sand dunes, oak and pine woodlands
Elevation: 0-1000 m
Discussion
Depauperate plants of this species may be confused with Meconella, but Hesperomecon can be distinguished by its linear, pilose leaves and ovoid capsules. Robust plants may be confused with Platystemon, but the strictly 3-carpellate, strongly syncarpous gynoecium and valvate capsules of Hesperomecon are always diagnostic.
Selected References
None.