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Published In: Pflanzen-Gattungen 85. 1792. (Pfl.-Gatt.) Name publication detail
 

Project Name Data (Last Modified On 8/11/2017)
Acceptance : Accepted
Project Data     (Last Modified On 7/9/2009)
Status: Introduced

 

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1. Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (shepherd’s purse)

Pl. 316 i–k; Map 1330

Plants annual, terrestrial. Stems (2–)10–50(–70) cm long, erect, usually few-branched, pubescent near the base with sessile stellate, stalked forked, and unbranched hairs. Leaves (1–)2–10(–15) cm long, sparsely to moderately pubescent with sessile stellate and unbranched hairs, the basal leaves usually numerous, petiolate, the leaf blades oblanceolate, toothed to deeply pinnately lobed with numerous irregular lobes, the stem leaves few, progressively reduced, alternate, mostly sessile, the bases clasping with prominent, rounded to somewhat pointed auricles, linear to lanceolate, entire or shallowly toothed. Inflorescences panicles, the lower branches subtended by reduced leaves. Sepals 1–2 mm long, ascending, elliptic, usually sparsely pubescent, sometimes with white or reddish purple margins. Petals 2–4(–5) mm long, not lobed, white. Styles 0.2–0.7 mm long. Fruits spreading to ascending, (3–)4–8(–10) mm long, about as long as wide, obtriangular, flattened at a right angle to the septum, the tip usually slightly concave, dehiscing longitudinally, each valve with a network of nerves. Seeds (6–)8–20 in each locule, 0.8–1.1 mm long, oblong in outline, the surface with a fine, netlike or honeycomb-like pattern of ridges and pits, orangish yellow. 2n=16, 32. January–December.

Introduced, common throughout the state (native of Europe, western Asia; introduced nearly worldwide). Pastures, fields, lawns, flower beds, roadsides, railroads, and open, disturbed areas.

This weedy species has several adaptations that help to account for its worldwide distribution, including partially self-fertile flowers and the ability to continue blooming nearly throughout the year, with a single plant capable of producing up to 90,000 seeds in a year (Al-Shehbaz, 1986). The seeds have a mucilaginous sheath and become sticky when wet, aiding in their dispersal by shoe soles, animals, and other items that they come into contact with.

The young rosettes and fruits can be eaten raw and are rich in vitamin C. A variety of medicinal uses have also been attributed to the plants (reviewed by Al-Shehbaz, 1986).

 


 

 
 
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