Plagiobothrys


Plagiobothrys is a genus of flowering plants known commonly as popcorn flowers. These are small herbaceous plants which bear tiny white or yellow flowers. Their fruits are nutlets. Although these plants are found predominantly in North America and South America, five species are known from Australia. Of the approximately 65 species described, more than 15 are endemic to California.

Description

The inflorescence is coiled in bud, but generally elongates in fruit. The pedicels are generally 0–1 mm, and the flower is bisexual with the sepals fused below the middle.

Etymology

The genus name, Plagiobothrys, is derived from Greek to mean "sideways pit" and describes the position of nutlet attachment scar.

Selected species