Pholisma sonorae

Pholisma sonorae is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. It is commonly known as the Sand Food due to its unique growth habit and habitat. This plant is native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Description

Pholisma sonorae is a perennial herb that grows as a subterranean plant. Its above-ground structures are reduced to a small, scale-like leaves and flowers. The plant is grayish in color and has a fleshy, succulent texture. The flowers are tubular, about 2 cm long, and are typically purple or blue in color.

Habitat and Distribution

Pholisma sonorae is found in the Sonoran Desert, specifically in the sandy soils of the Algodones Dunes in southeastern California and southwestern Arizona, as well as in parts of northwestern Mexico. It is a xerophyte, adapted to survive in arid conditions.

Ecology

Pholisma sonorae is a parasitic plant, deriving nutrients from the roots of other plants through a structure called a haustorium. Its hosts are typically desert shrubs such as creosote bush and bursage.

Conservation Status

Pholisma sonorae is considered a species of concern due to habitat loss from off-road vehicle use in the Algodones Dunes. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and preserve this unique desert plant.

See Also

• Boraginaceae
• Sonoran Desert
• Parasitic plant
• Algodones Dunes

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