Spreading Fanpetals
Sida abutifolia
Found on a rocky slope adjacent to Seven Springs, Maricopa Co., Arizona. Aug. 2011.
FLOWERS: There are five free petals spreading to a diameter of less than
1 cm. The numerous stamens are clustered into a tube at the center. The
flowers are spaced along the stems singly from the leaf bases. Flowering
through much of year depending on precipitation.
LEAVES: The leaves are triangular and the margins have rounded teeth.
They are set alternately along the stems.
RANGE: Fairly common from summer on rocky slopes and open areas. Ranges
from California to Texas and Mexico.
PERENNIAL HERB: Survives season to season regrowing from a woody crown
and spreading out along the soil as the weak stems fall.
FRUIT: Dry capsules with usually five segments called schizocarps.
There's a spine at the tip of each segment.
UNARMED: The plant itself lacks thorns.
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