Ipomopsis congesta Synonym: Gilia congesta Family: Polemoniaceae – Phlox Family Perennial herbs or subshrubs from taproots; stems 1.97” to 2.6' (0.5 to 8 dm) tall Leaves: basal and/or alternate; simple; entire to pinnatifid or palmatifid; 0.2” to 1.6” (0.5 to 4 cm) long or more Flowers: 5 white or purplish united tubular petals in clusters; 5 lobed sepals; stamens usually 5; 1 pistil; flower lobes are 0.06” to 0.12” (1.5 to 3 mm) long Pollinators: other species in this family are pollinated by insects (specifically bumblebees and beeflies) and hummingbirds Fruits: capsule Blooms in Arches National Park: May, June, July Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: park road mile 0 to 3, Park Avenue, park road mile 11 to12 Other: The genus name, “Ipomopsis”, is from the Greek “ipo” which means “to strike" and “opsis” which means "appearance", so put together means “striking appearance”. The genus name, “Gilia”, honors Filippo Luigi Gilii (1756-1821), clergyman, a scientist and astronomer. The species name, “congesta”, means “arranged very closely together, very crowded”. |
Last updated: December 12, 2022