Whitestem Gooseberry (Wine Gooseberry)
Ribes inerme Family: Saxifragaceae – Saxifrage Family Shrubs; 2.5' 6.6' (7.5 to 20 dm) tall with spines in the nodes Leaves: alternate; simple; palmately lobed or toothed; has hairs; 0.32” to 3.6” (0.8 to 9 cm) long Flowers: 5 (sometimes 4) white petals 0.04” to 0.06” (1 to 1.5 mm) long, often smaller than the sepals; 5 sepals, mostly petaloid; stamens 5, alternate with the petals; 2 styles; the sepals, petals, and stamens are borne on a floral cup or hypanthium which is cup-shaped or tubular Pollinators: insects Fruits: berry Blooms in Arches National Park: May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: Fiery Furnace Other: This is an extremely variable family. The genus name, “Ribes”, is from the Arabic “ribas” which means “acid-tasting” referring to the edible but tart fruit. The species name, “inerme”, means “not spiny, unarmed”. |
Did You Know?
The common raven displays abilities to play and problem-solve that are rare among animals. This member of the crow family is also very vocal, communicating with over a dozen sounds. Perhaps because of these qualities, ravens have achieved a certain stature in both European and Native American folklore.