Ribes malvaceum
{{Short description|Species of shrub}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Ribes malvaceum var veridifolium 2.jpg
|genus = Ribes
|species = malvaceum
|authority = Sm.
|synonyms =Ribes purpurascens {{small|A.Heller}}
}}
Ribes malvaceum, the chaparral currant, is a gooseberry species native to the Californias.
Description
Ribes malvaceum is a perennial shrub that typically grows to {{convert|1.5-3|m|ft||frac=2}} tall.[http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RIMA Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database—NPIN] — Ribes malvaceum . accessed 1.23.2013 It lacks the characteristic nodal spines which are demonstrated on the stems of many other members in the genus. The leaf blades are {{Convert|2–5|cm|frac=4}} across, 3–5-lobed, glandular-hairy, and toothed.[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250065811 Ribes malvaceum in Flora of North America] . @ efloras.org . accessed 1.23.2013{{Cite book |last1=Turner |first1=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VLbAAwAAQBAJ |title=Trees & Shrubs of the Pacific Northwest |last2=Kuhlmann |first2=Ellen |date=2014 |publisher=Timber Press |isbn=978-1-60469-263-1 |edition=1st |location=Portland, OR |pages=207}}
Inflorescences are 10–25 flowered and open, occurring October to April in native range. The hypanthium is pink, {{Convert|5–8|mm|frac=8}}, and about twice as long as wide. The sepals are pink-purple in color and 4–6 mm. Petals are 2–3 mm and can range in color from pink shades to white. The flower also contains two fused styles which are fused to the tip and have a hairy base.
Striking glaucous purple berries are produced. The fruit is 6–7 mm, glandular and covered by white hairs, with a bland but palatable taste.
Varieties
There are several varieties of R. malvaceum:
- Ribes malvaceum var. clementinum — (Dunkle)
- Ribes malvaceum var. malvaceum — plants with dark green leaves occurring below {{convert|800|m|abbr=on}}.[http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Ribes+malvaceum+var.+malvaceum&one=T Calflora.org: Ribes malvaceum var. malvaceum]
- Ribes malvaceum var. viridifolium — (Abrams) — plants with bright green leaves occurring up to {{convert|1500|m|abbr=on}} [http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Ribes+malvaceum+var.+viridifolium&one=T Calflora.org: Ribes malvaceum var. viridifolium]
Distribution and habitat
It is native to California and northern Baja California, where it occurs from sea level to {{convert|1500|m|abbr=on}}, in chaparral, foothill oak woodland, and closed-cone pine forest habitats.[http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Ribes+malvaceum Jepson] . accessed 1.23.2013
Ecology
Pollination ecologists have reported the plant important as a honey plant for attracting large numbers of native bees.
Cultivation
Ribes malvaceum is cultivated as an ornamental plant by specialty plant nurseries. It is used in traditional gardens, native plant landscapes, and as bird food source in habitat gardens. It thrives under oaks in bright dry conditions, and in many other locations.[http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ribes-malvaceum Las Pilitas Nursery (natives): Ribes malvaceum, Pink Chaparral currant] . accessed 1.23.2013
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Ribes malvaceum|position=left}}
- [http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?Ribes+malvaceum Jepson Flora Project: Ribes malvaceum]
- [http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?where-genre=Plant&where-taxon=Ribes+malvaceum Ribes malvaceum — U.C. Photo gallery]
{{Taxonbar|from=Q7322350}}
Category:Flora of Baja California
Category:Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Category:Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands
Category:Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Category:Natural history of the Channel Islands of California
Category:Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges
Category:Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area
Category:Natural history of the Santa Monica Mountains
Category:Natural history of the Transverse Ranges
Category:Garden plants of North America