Nolana acuminata Miers   = Nolana paradoxa ssp. atriplicifolia   Nolanaceae (Nolana Family)   South America   Nolana

                                            May Photo

Plant Characteristics: Succulent hairy somewhat glandular, prostrate, annual; lvs. strap-shaped, decurrent at base, without distinct petioles; fls. blue with white throat which is yellow within, 1-2 in. across, on long slightly hairy peduncles; calyx 5-cleft; corolla-lobes angular, each with 3 straight branched ribs; stamens 5, unequal, villous at base, alternating with lobes of corolla and inserted in the base of it; ovaries numerous, 1 seeded, surrounded at base by an annular nectary.

Habitat:  Escape from cultivation.  Probably introduced into Big Canyon and Santa Ana Heights by hydromulching.  No bloom period given in Bailey, I have found the plant blooming in Feb. and May.  (my comments).  Native to the desert coast of Chile.

Name:  Nola-na: nola, a little bell, referring to the shape of the corolla.  Acuminatus, acuminate, long pointed, tapering.  (Bailey 10,865).  Acuminata may refer to the leaves, which are acuminate at their tips.  (John Johnson).

General:  Uncommon in the study area.   Found in Big Canyon and along the horse and bike path in Santa Ana Heights.  It was introduced into Santa Ana Heights and probably Big Canyon  by hydromulching.  Photographed both places.  (my comments).      About 57 species of prostrate herbs, suitable for planting in borders, rocky hillsides, and baskets.  (Bailey 865).       Roberts in his A CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR PLANTS of ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Second Edition 1998, p. 74, indicates that the name of this plant has been changed to Nolana paradoxa ssp. atriplicifolia.  I continue to use the old name. (my comment)

Text Ref:  Bailey 866.

Photo Ref:  May 1 86 # 14,15,16; Feb 88 # 9A,10A,11A.

Identity: by John Johnson.

First Found:  May 1987.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 331.

Plant specimen donated to UC Riverside in 2004.

Last edit 8/7/05. 

                                May Photo                                                                          February Photo