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Lopezia racemosa Cav. - Map (probably not in the book).
Cavanilles, Icon. 1: 12 (1791). – Described from material cultivated in Madrid.
Lopezia coronata Andrews (1808).
F moskiittokukka. S enmansblomma.
Therophyte or hemicryptophyte (short-lived perennial). To 150 cm, often much branched from near the base. Leaves alternate (or lower ones opposite); petiole 1–3 cm; blade 10–80 mm, lanceolate, entire or toothed.
Flowers zygomorphic, in lax, bracteate racemes at top of stem and branches; lower bracts similar to the stem leaves; pedicels thin, 8–15 mm, erect to spreading. Sepals 4, reddish, spreading, 3–5 mm, glabrous or ciliate. Petals 4, variegated pink and red, clawed, the upper two smaller and narrower than the lower two, geniculate, with a yellowish pouch at the geniculation. Stamens 2, the lower one a petaloid staminodium which is folded around the single fertile stamen. Pollen grains shed singly. Pistil with thin glabrous style; stigma capitate. Capsule 3–5 mm, globose or almost so, apparently indehiscent but late opening with 4 valves. Seeds several, subglobose, c. 1 mm, without a tuft of hair.
[2n=20, 40]
Distribution and habitat. Grown for ornament at least since c. 1950, from the 1990’s increasingly common as a casual escape. N Ak Oslo 1946 (landfill in botanic garden). S Sk 11 records, first Lund 1950 (tip), Bl Mörrum 1998, Klm Ljungby 2001, Hl Veinge 2006, BhG Lundby 1998, Upl Stockholm 1993 (at the botanic garden), Nb Piteå 1997. F U Inkoo 1952 (ruderal place in manor area).
Mexico, C America.
Biology. Lopezia racemosa is protandrous and outcrossing but self-compatible. The flowers are adapted to pollination by flies. The fertile stamen is enclosed in, and held in tension by, the staminodium. A visiting insect causes the stamen to release explosively upwards, depositing pollen onto the visitor. The stigma later takes the same position, promoting pollination. |
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