Texas poppy mallow

Description

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. Much of its habitat has been lost, which is the reason it was federally listed as an endangered species in 1981 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.The flower opens just before dawn and closes at sunset every day for 6 to 8 days.As soon as the flower is pollinated, it closes within 90 minutes and begins to wither.The flower is a favorite stop for local bees, the main pollinators This plant is present in three Texas counties along the Colorado River in an ecoregion known as the Rolling Plains. It only grows in deep spits of windblown, alluvial sand. 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. The flowers are also very attractive and may be picked by admirers and collectors.Extreme drought leads to reduced moisture levels which stunts the plants, sometimes preventing any above-ground growth, flowering, or fruiting Callirhoe is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its nine species are commonly known as poppy mallows and all are native to the prairies and grasslands of North America. Of the nine species, some are annuals while others are perennial plants. The genus is named for the Oceanid Callirrhoe in Greek mythology. Poppy mallow leaves are alternate and palmately lobed. The flowers are cup-shaped and brightly colored. The purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) is grown as a garden plant. It is a low-growing perennial with a large taproot and hairy stems. The flowers range from cerise to reddish violet with white centers. It is especially used in dry climates.