Hydrophyllaceae: Waterleaf Family — Emmenanthe
Most members of the Waterleaf family have their flowers arranged in coiled (scorpioid) cymes. The 5 petals are partly united, to form a bell or funnel shape. The 5 stamens are often longer than the petals, with a 2-lobed stigma. Closely related to the Borage family.
Whispering Bells – Emmenanthe penduliflora
Blooms:
Apr–July
Plant Height:
10–50 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
A fire follower, also found on recently disturbed ground such as shale slopes
Notes:
This is many-branched, with a loose growth habit. Leaves are simple, toothed to pinnately lobed. There are clusters of pale lemon, bell-shaped flowers, erect in bud, but becoming pendulous as the flowers mature. Photo #4 by CJH.
Pink-flowered Whispering Bells – Emmenanthe rosea
Blooms:
Apr–June
Plant Height:
5–85 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Talus slopes or rocky or sandy soils
Notes:
These flowers are typically pink, much paler inside than out, and are much less common than the yellow-flowered Whispering Bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora, see above). White flowers are occasionally found. The stem and leaf axes are commonly reddish. Leaves may be toothed or pinnately lobed.
