Arctomecon humilis

Arctomecon humilis

Arctomecon humilis is a species of the family of the Poppy family ( Papaveraceae ). In spring it produces an off-white, schnellwelkende bloom. The plant grows exclusively in the U.S. Utah and is considered one of the most endangered species of the United States.

Description

Arctomecon humilis is a short lived perennial herbaceous plant that reaches the stature heights of 15 to 25 cm. It forms a taproot.

The leaves are borne in a basal rosette. The leaves are blue-green and densely covered with long, white hair. Each of the stems carries one to two ivory-colored flowers. The fruits contain 30 or more small black seeds.

Arctomecon humilis is an endangered plant that grows on barren and strong chalky soils near the town of St. George, Utah. There are known only about a half dozen populations. Some are located in the immediate vicinity of human settlement area. The species is fertilized by a very rare species of bee, Perdita the mecontis.