Nolina interrata
Nolina interrata in the spring
Nolina interrata is a plant of the genus Nolina in the family of asparagus plants ( Asparagaceae ). English common names are " Dehesa Beargrass " and " Buried Nolina ".
Description
Nolina interrata grows usually stemless, but sometimes forms a short stem from. It is rhizomatös and formed groups to 1.8 m in diameter. The variable bluish, falling to the ground, linear - lanceolate leaves are 30 to 140 cm long and 8-15 mm wide. The leaf margins are toothed.
The inflorescence is 0.6 to 1.4 m high with numerous long variable branching. White to cream-colored flowers are 3 to 4 mm long and 1.5 to 2 mm wide. The flowering period extends from May to June.
The woody in the ripening fruit capsules are 7-10 mm in diameter. The yellowish to brown, ovate to oblong seeds are 4 to 6 mm, 4 mm in diameter.
Distribution, systematics and hazard
Nolina interrata is very rare. It is distributed in the U.S. state of California and Mexico in Baja California at elevations of 200 to 700 m. It grows in grasslands on sandy to rocky soil on low hills, and is associated with Yucca whipplei and various cacti species.
Nolina interrata is a representative of the section arborescentes and currently poorly known. It is closely related to Nolina cismontana, but this has a longer, more impressive inflorescence and green leaves. The species is fire-resistant.
The first description was in 1946 by Howard Scott Gentry.
At the request of the United States Nolina interrata has been included in Appendix I of CITES on 29 July 1983. After a re-evaluation of the status it was downgraded on 13 September 2007 in the Annex II.
Nolina interrata severe threat from new settlements. She is listed in the list of states of California as a rare and endangered species.