Callirhoe scabriuscula

Callirhoe scabriuscula
Conservation status
	; Imperiled (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Callirhoe
Species:	C. scabriuscula
Binomial name
	Callirhoe scabriuscula; B.L.Rob.

Callirhoe scabriuscula is a rare species of flowering plant in the mallow family known as Texas poppy mallow. It is endemic to Texas, where it is known from about ten populations in the deep sands alongside the Colorado River.[1] Much of its habitat has been lost, which is the reason it was federally listed as an endangered species in 1981.[2]

Description

This is a perennial herb with an erect stem that may exceed one meter in height. It produces showy cup-shaped flowers in shades of magenta to wine red with a darker red spot at the base of each petal. Flowering occurs for a short period of time during May or June.[3] The flower opens just before dawn and closes at sunset every day for 6 to 8 days.[3] As soon as the flower is pollinated, it closes within 90 minutes and begins to wither.[3] The flower is a favorite stop for local bees, the main pollinators.[3]

Distribution and habitat

This plant is present in three Texas counties along the Colorado River in an ecoregion known as the Rolling Plains.[3][4] It only grows in deep spits of windblown, alluvial sand.[1][3][4] This habitat has been extensively degraded and destroyed by a number of processes and human activities, including agriculture, sand mining, development, road construction, and application of herbicides and insecticides.[1][3] The flowers are also very attractive and may be picked by admirers and collectors.[3][4] Extreme drought leads to reduced moisture levels which stunts the plants, sometimes preventing any above-ground growth, flowering, or fruiting.[4][5]

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References

The Nature Conservancy
USFWS. Determination of Callirhoe scabriuscula to be an endangered species. Federal Register January 13, 1981.
"Center for Plant Conservation". Archived from the original on 2010-12-15. Retrieved 2011-01-24.
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Tolme, P. While efforts to bank native plant seeds are expanding, habitat loss and global warming are threatening thousands of flowering species. National Wildlife Federation. June 1, 2005.

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[tnc-1] The Nature Conservancy

[fed-2] USFWS. Determination of Callirhoe scabriuscula to be an endangered species. Federal Register January 13, 1981.

[cpc-3] "Center for Plant Conservation". Archived from the original on 2010-12-15. Retrieved 2011-01-24.

[tpw-4] Texas Parks & Wildlife

[5] Tolme, P. While efforts to bank native plant seeds are expanding, habitat loss and global warming are threatening thousands of flowering species. National Wildlife Federation. June 1, 2005.