False dayflower, widow's-tears

Tradescantia anomala Torrey in W. H. Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 225. 1859; Commelinantia anomala (Torrey) Tharp

Herbs, annual, cespitose, to 80 cm. Leaves dimorphic, glaucous; basal leaves tapered into long petiole, linear-spatulate; distal cauline leaves sessile, broadly to narrowly lanceolate, 6--20 cm, base commonly cordate-clasping, apex acute to acuminate. Inflorescences terminal, cymes solitary; bracteoles 3--5 mm. Flowers 2--2.5 cm wide; sepals boat-shaped, 9--12 mm, glabrous; proximal petal white, rhombic, 3--4 mm; distal petals blue to lavender, obovate, 15--18 mm; proximal lateral stamens with purple hairs; distal stamens bearded with yellow-tipped hairs; ovules 2 per locule. Capsules oblong, 6--8 mm. Seeds gray-brown. 2n = 26.

Flowering spring--early summer. Limestone talus slopes, granitic slopes, edges of woods and ravines, prefers some shade; Tex.; Mexico (Durango).

Only one record of Tinantia anomala is known from Durango.