Sparse-leafed Moonpod (Acleisanthes angustifolia)

   

Overview, Coahuila, Mexico. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

 

Left: foliage and fruit of sparse-leafed moonpod, Coahuila, Mexico. Right, closeup of fruit, Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Photographs by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Sparse-leafed Moonpod
• Common Spanish Names: None known.
• Scientific Name: Acleisanthes angustifolia (a-kly-SAN-thes ann-gus-tih-FOLL-lee-uh)(formerly Selinocarpus)
• Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock Family)
• Geographic Range: Arid, rocky soils in southern Big Bend, Texas, south through eastern Chihuahua to central and southern Coahuila and northeastern Durango, Mexico.
• Description: Small, 1 to 3 foot, erect to decumbent semi-woody to near woody shrub with sparsely scattered linear to lanceolate green leaves often tinged purplish. Flowers are small, three-quarter inch long, with a greenish yellowish tube ending with a brownish orange flare. Small winged fruit are also orangish in color.

Last Update: 28 Sep 2013