Beefsteakplant

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Beefsteakplant calyces

Beefsteakplant leaf

Beefsteakplant flowers

Beefsteakplant

Beefsteakplant leaf

Beefsteakplant habit

Beefsteakplant

Beefsteakplant

Morphology

Stem

Square in cross section, ascending to erect, simple or branched distally, sparsely pubescent to pilose, sometimes glabrescent below.

Leaves

Cauline, opposite, simple; stipules absent; petiole .2 to 2.8 inches; blade broadly ovate to broadly elliptic, 1 to 6 inches long, .6 to 2.8 inches wide, base tapered to wedge-shaped, margins usually coarsely toothed, occasionally lacerate, tip acuminate, surfaces glabrous or sparsely puberulent, especially along veins.

Inflorescence

Spike-like racemes, .8 to 6 inches, terminal and axillary; bracts elliptic to ovate, apex acute to acuminate, glabrous.

Flower

Calyx campanulate, 1/12 to 1/8 inch, tube 10-nerved, lobes 5, narrowly to broadly triangular, apex acuminate; corolla white to lavender or purple, 1/10 to 1/6 inch, weakly 2-lipped, lower lip 3-lobed, medial lobe slightly larger than lateral lobes, upper lip 2-lobed, flat; stamens 4, slightly exserted, filaments straight; style 1, basal; stigmas 2.

Fruit

Schizocarps comprising 2 to 4 mericarps; mericarps brown, globose, less than 1/12 inch, glabrous, finely reticulate.

Ecology

Habitat

Open or shaded flood plains

Distribution

Principally east 1/2 of Kansas

Practical Information

Uses

The seeds are a source of oil that was used in the manufacture of lacquer, artificial leather, paper umbrellas, printer's ink, and waterproof clothes.

Additional Notes