Chilopsis
| Chilopsis | |
|---|---|
| File:Chilopsis linearis flower 2.jpg | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Tribe: | Catalpeae |
| Genus: | Chilopsis D.Don[1] |
| Species: | C. linearis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Chilopsis linearis | |
| File:Chilopsis linearis range map 3.png | |
| Natural range of Chilopsis linearis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
Bignonia linearis Cav. | |
Chilopsis is a monotypic genus of flowering plants containing the single species Chilopsis linearis. It is known commonly as desert willow[4] or desert-willow[3] because of its willow-like leaves, but it is not a true willow – being instead a member of the catalpa family.
It is a shrub or tree native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is commonly seen in washes and along riverbanks.
Description
[edit | edit source]Growing up to 9 metres (29+1⁄2 ft) in height, it can take the form of a shrub or small tree.[5] The linear, curved, deciduous leaves are up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long[5] and just a few millimetres wide.
Blooming from April through September,[5] the flowers occur in a terminal panicle or raceme. About two to four flowers at a time are open in each inflorescence. The calyx is about 8–14 mm (3⁄8–1⁄2 in), slightly inflated, and varying shades of purple, while the corolla is 2–5 cm (3⁄4–2 in), with colors ranging from lavender to light pink. The throat and lower lip has a pattern of yellow ridges and purple lines, and the margins are crinkled.[citation needed] The fruit is a linear pod up to 30 cm (12 in) long, containing numerous[5] winged seeds.
There are two subspecies:
- Chilopsis linearis subsp. linearis. Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, Mexico.
- Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata. Nevada, California, Baja California.
Etymology
[edit | edit source]The generic name is derived from the Greek words χεῖλος, (cheilos), meaning "lip," and ὄψις (opsis), meaning "resembling," referring to the flowers.
Distribution and habitat
[edit | edit source]As a phreatophyte, it is well adapted to ephemeral desert washes and sandy streams. It can be found through much of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is usually found below 1,500 m (5,000 ft).[6]
Ecology
[edit | edit source]The species is pollinated primarily by large bees in the family Apidae, such as carpenter bees, bumblebees, Anthophora, and Centris.[citation needed] The flowers are popular with hummingbirds as well.[5]
Cultivation
[edit | edit source]Chilopsis linearis is cultivated for its large, showy flowers, and tolerance of hot, dry climates. Although the natural growth is a very irregular shape, it can be readily pruned into a conventional tree shape. A number of cultivars have been selected. Some, such as 'Rio Salado', have dark purple or magenta flowers.
Chilopsis may survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees F (-12 °C).
Chilopsis is closely related to the genus Catalpa and hybrids can be made between the two genera. The nothogeneric hybrid between Chilopsis linearis and Catalpa bignonioides has been named × Chitalpa tashkentensis. It originated in a botanic garden at Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
Uses
[edit | edit source]Parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat fungal infections[7] such as candidiasis and athlete's foot, as well as wounds and cough.[8]
The wood was used to make bows and baskets.[9]
Gallery
[edit | edit source]-
Habit
-
subsp. arcuata
-
'Rio Salado'
References
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- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Chilopsis linearis. NatureServe. 2012.
- ^ Chilopsis linearis. USDA PLANTS.
- ^ a b c d e Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Ross, J., et al. Chilopsis linearis. Archived 2012-04-02 at the Wayback Machine Medicinal Plants of the Southwest. New Mexico State University. 2001.
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
External links
[edit | edit source]- Error creating thumbnail: File missing Media related to Lua error in Module:Commons_link at line 62: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). at Wikimedia Commons
- Jepson Flora Project: Chilopsis linearis
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