Polanisia dodecandra trachysperma
Family: Capparaceae
Description: Annual to 60 cm high with 3-foliate leaves. Leaflets elliptic to obovate or oblanceolate, 1.5-5 cm long. Flowers in racemes, the larger petals 10-16 mm long, pinkish or pale purple.
Plant Trivia: Glands release glue-like material when touched, and bruising the leaves releases a foul odor. Flowers attract nectaring butterflies.
Field Identification: In bloom this is fairly easy to identify due to its cluster of purple flowers, its upward projecting seed pods, and its cuplike nectaries clasping the stem of the inflorescence stem.
Occurrence: Fairly frequent on sand in openings, fields, and waste places on the beach shell.
Bloom Period: April-October
Plant Use: Attractive landscape plant for open area but has an offensive odor when bruised.
Key to the genus Polanisia:
- Flowers pinkish or pale purple…………………………………………....P. dodecandra
Flowers yellow……………………………………………………………………………………..P. erosa
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