Oligomeris linifolia (Vahl.) Macbr.   Resedaceae (Mignonette Family)   Native   Narrow-Leaved Oligomeris

                                         May Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Annual, erect, glabrous, rather fleshy, the stems branching at the base, 1-3 dm. high; lvs. linear, entire, often fascicled, 1-2.5 cm. long; spikes terminating the branches, bracteate, densely fld., 2-10 cm. long; fls. small, greenish, perfect, irregular, ca. 1.5 mm. long; petals 2, oblong, whitish, obscurely lobed; sepals 4; stamens 3; caps. depressed, globose, 1.5 mm. long; fls. ca. 1.5 mm. long; petals oblong, whitish, obscurely lobed; , 2.5 mm. thick, 4-toothed; seeds ca. 0.5 mm. long, smooth.

Habitat:  Common in open often subsaline places, below 3000 ft.; Creosote Bush Scrub, Alkaline Sink; deserts; occasional on sea bluffs, alkaline places, Santa Rosa, Catalina, Santa Barbara and San Nicolas Ids.; to L. Calif., Tex., Mex.  Feb.-July.

 Name:  Greek, oligos, little, and meris, parts.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 730).  Linearis, linear. (Bailey 17).  Latin, linearis, pertaining to a line or lines.  Ex. linear.  (Jaeger 142).

General:  Uncommon in the study area, having been found only twice, first in May, 1991, near the bluff top northerly of 23rd St. and again in August 1991 on the sand dunes behind the Fish & Game trailer in the Shellmaker area.  (my comments).         About 6 genera and 65 species, mostly of  Medit. region.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 730).

Text Ref:  Abrams, Vol. II 328; Hickman, Ed. 931; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 730; Roberts 35.

Photo Ref:  April-May 91 # 28,29.

Identity: by R. De Ruff, confirmed by John Johnson.

First Found:  May 1991.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 419.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit 10/14/04.

                               May Photo                                                         August Photo