Cymopterus newberryi Family: Apiaceae (A Utah Flora - Umbelliferae) - Carrot or Parsley Family Perennial herbs from taproots; some strongly aromatic; 2.8” to 7.2” (7 to 18 cm) tall Leaves: basal (or basal and 1 to few cauline mostly on the lower half of the stems); compound Flowers: 5 petals; 5 sepals or lacking; small flowers in clusters (compound umbel); 5 stamens; 1 pistil; 2 styles; petals yellow when fresh, fading to cream or greenish in age, 5 to 16 rays, outer rays are 0.4” to 1.3” (1 to 3.3 cm) long Pollinators: other species of Cymopterus are pollinated by insects; self-fertile Fruits: schizocarp; flat and wide with lateral wings – splits into 2 halves, each 1 seeded Blooms in Arches National Park: March, April, May Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: Windows, Fiery Furnace, Broken Arch trail Other: The genus name, “Cymopterus”, is from the Greek “cyma” which means “wave” and “pteron” which means “wing”, referring to its fruit. The species name, “newberryi”, honors the geologist John Strong Newberry (1822-1892). The family has economic importance because it contains numerous food plants, condiments, ornamentals. There are also poisonous species. Tuberous roots. The family identification depends on anatomical details of fruits and seeds. |
Last updated: February 5, 2022