Fendler's Sandwort
Arenaria fendleri Family: Caryophyllaceae - Pink Family Perennial herbs; stems 0.8” to 9.8” (0.2 to 2.5 dm) tall Leaves: opposite; linear; basal leaves 0.12” to 4.4” (0.3 to 11 cm) long; pungent; cauline leaves mainly in 2 to 6 pairs Flowers: 5 white to brown or pinkish red to purple petals; petals 0.2” to 0.32” (5 to 8 mm) long; 5 sepals, greenish or suffed with purple; stamens usually 10; styles usually 3 Pollinators: other species in this genera are pollinated by insects Fruits: capsule Blooms in Arches National Park: May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: Windows, Delicate Arch trail Other: The genus name, “Arenaria”, means “growing in sandy places” and the species name, “fendleri” honors Augustus Wilhelm Fendler (1813-1883), a Prussian botanist who collected plant specimens in North America, Central America, South America, Prussia and Trinidad. Many of his American Southwest specimens were collected for botanist Asa Gray. |
Did You Know?
The dirt is alive! A living crust called "Biological Soil Crust" covers much of Arches and the surrounding area. Composed of algae, lichens and bacteria, this crust provides a secure foundation for desert plants. Please stay on roads and trails to avoid trampling this important resource. More...