Miner's Lettuce
Claytonia perfoliata
Photographed at
Saddle Mountain, Tonopah, Arizona, March 2003.
Also visible in this picture are some stems of Galium sp. also known as
bedstraw with six whorled leaves at each node.
LEAVES: Paired opposite leaves below the
flower clusters are perfoliate, i.e. joined at the stem ... they encircle the
stem. The remaining, lower leaves have normal petioles.
FLOWERS: Minute white flowers borne in small clusters at the center of
the perfoliate leaves.
ANNUAL HERB: Succulent green leaves and stem offer a crisp veggie treat to
hikers or miners. Apparent from Jan. to early April, but only in years with adequate precipitation.
UNARMED.
RANGE: Frequent throughout the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico on
steep, north-facing hillsides where moisture is seeping from crevices.