Porophyllum gracile Poreleaf, Odora
PERENNIAL. Thin bluish stems have a few narrow, opposite, pointed
leaves. Each stem is topped with a narrow purple cylindrical flowerhead
tipped with small white flowers that have conspicuous curled purple stamens.
Flowerheads are about 3 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. Large plants
may look shrubby, as in the photo. Leaves are dotted with a few raised
round glands. Entire plant has a curious citrus/pine/musk smell when
bruised. Blooms in April-May. In the Empires, frequent on bajadas
and other coarse gravel in desertscrub at lower elevations; absent from
higher grassland.
FAMILY: Asteraceae (Composite or Daisy Family)