NPS Photo

Plains Cryptanth (Thick-sepaled Cryptanth)

Cryptantha crassisepala

Family: Boraginaceae – Borage Family

A nnual herbs, 2” to 6” (5 to 15 cm) high)

Leaves: opposite at base, or alternate throughout; simple; generally rough and hairy;leaves 0.8” to 2.4” (2 to 6 cm) long, 0.12” to 0.24” (3 to 6 mm) wide

Flowers: 5 united white petals with a narrow tube and an abruptly flared top; flowers inconspicuous 0.04” to 0.06” (1 to 1.5 mm) wide; 5 sepals free or united; usually bisexual; 5 stamens; radially symmetrical

Pollinators: other genera in this family are pollinated by insects

Fruits: 4 nutlets

Blooms in Arches National Park: March, April, May

Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities

Location seen: park road mile 0 to 2.5, park road mile 7.4, Windows, Delicate Arch Viewpoint

Other: The genus name, “Cryptantha”, is from the Greek “kryptos” meaning “to hide” and “anthos” meaning “flower”, in reference to the bracts obscuring the flowers on some species. The species name, “crassisepala”, means “thick-sepaled”.

The classification of this family is based primarily upon the structure of the fruit. This genus of plants is only found in America , mostly in the western United States , but also in the deserts of South America.