Scientific Family
Portulacaceae
Synonyms
Calyptridium monandrum
Other common names
common mock pussypaws
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
6 inches
Riparian
Yes
Small annual, somewhat succulent-stemmed herb, without hairs, taprooted. Stems branching from the base, lying flat on the ground (prostrate). Small, perfect, pink or white, 2 to 4 petaled flowers on short stalks along an elongated stem.
Succulent stems lie on ground; leaves basal and on stems, widen towards their tips, basal withering in fruit; flowers small, pink or white, petals usually 3, styles absent, stigmas 2, on very short stems; fruit capsules >2 times as long as sepals.
Habitat
Found on desert plains and slopes, sand and gravel washes, rocky slopes, volcanic tuff, roadsides.
Plant Community
Riparian
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
Small, perfect, pink or white, 2 to 4 petals, with no or very short stalk, along a somewhat coiled (scorpioid) stem, flowers not overlapping. Petals are 1/16 to 1/8 inch, curled up; sepals 2, rounded; stamens 1 to 3, styles absent, stigmas 2.
Flower color
Pink or white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Multiple stems spreading from the center of a basal rosette that lies flat (prostrate) on the ground; stems 1-1/2 to 7 inches long; leaves attached at the base and on stems, spoon-shaped, wider towards their tips, 1/2 to 2 inches long, 1/2 inch wide.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsule with 2 valves, oval to cylindric to sickle-shaped, 1/8 to 1/3 inch long.
Fruit type
Capsule
Black, smooth and shiny, 4 to 10.