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Chamaesyce micromera - Sonoran sandmat

Scientific Family
Euphorbiaceae
Synonyms
Euphorbia micromera
Other common names
Sonoran spurge
desert spurge
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
4 to 6 inches
Riparian
No

This plant is a prostrate annual forb that forms a small mat of slender stems. Stems contain a milky sap.

An annual with subcircular glands. The appendages are absent. Leaf margins are always smooth. Stems are wingless.

Habitat

Plant is found in dry, sandy areas.

Plant Community
Desert Scrub
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
0
High elevation
3600

Flower Characteristics

Flowering times are April through June and also September through December.

Flower color
Red to pink
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
December
Flower clusters
Rounded

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

The hairy to hairless leaves are oblong in shape and just about 1/10 inch long.

Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaf attachment
Opposite
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves
Spines
No

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruits are tiny round capsules.

Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Light brown

Tiny seeds are ovoid, white to brown, with slight transverse wrinkles.