Anulocaulis annulatus – “Valley Ring Stem”

Also Known As: Ring Stem
Other Botanical Names: Boerhavia annulata
Family: Four O’Clock Family (Nyctaginaceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-May
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Rocky slopes, canyons
Leaves: Cordate, covered with dimples and hairs; alternate
Translation: “Anulocaulis” is Latin for “ring-stem”; “annulatus” is Latin for “ringed” (so this botanical name translates as “ringed ring-stem”); “Boerhavia” is named after Herman Boerhaave (1668-1738), a Dutch botanist, chemist, and physician.
Notes: Stems have distinctive, dark-colored rings.