Quincula lobata

(Chinese Lantern)

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Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9781-2

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Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9775

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Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9777

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Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9781-1

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Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9779

Scientific Name Quincula lobata (Physalis lobata) USDA PLANTS Symbol QULO2
Common Name Chinese Lantern, Purple Groundcherry ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 504721
Family Solanaceae (Nightshade) SEINet
Reference		 Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 7100); sandy or gravelly soils in dry, open areas; prairies, roadsides, waste areas, hillsides and canyons.
Plant: Prostrate or decumbent perennial, much-branched, very leafy, spreading stems; 2 to 6 inches tall.
Leaves: Alternate, oblong to oblanceolate or spatulate tapering to a winged petiole at the base; blades 1-1/2 to 4 inches long, 1/4 to 1-1/4 inches wide; margins entire to lobed; surface with white, spherical hairs.
Inflorescence: Solitary blue or violet blossoms 1/2 to 3/4-inch across on short pedicels; 5 united flaring petals, yellow anthers, style twisted and bent to one side.
Bloom Period: May to July.
Fruit: Greenish-yellow berries up to 3/8-inch in diameter.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Wildflowers of Texas" by Geyata Ajilvsgi, Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses and SEINet. 		BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key		 Colorado Status:
Native
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