Phemeranthus calycinus

Phemeranthus calycinus is an herbaceous perennial, typically growing in large colonies. Its leaves are up to 5 centimetres (2 in) long, linear, very narrow, succulent, and found at the base of the plant.[3] A leafless flower stalk rises from the basal leaves to a height of about 30 centimetres (12 in). Pink-red to red-purple flowers are arranged in open groups at the end of the flower stalks. The flowers, which only open for a couple of hours in the early afternoon, have 5 to 8 rounded petals, 2 sepals, 30 to 45 stamens, and a pistil with a thin style. Flowers bloom off and on for 1 to 3 months in the summer and are about 3 centimetres (1 in) across.[4]

A synonymous name for Phemeranthus calycinus is Talinum calycinum. [5]

The Latin specific epithet calycinus means calyx-like.[6]

It is native to New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. It is listed as endangered in Illinois[7] and critically imperiled/imperiled in Nebraska.[8] It is found primarily in the areas of the Great Plains and Ozark and Ouachita Mountains in the United States.[9] Its natural habitat is on glades, sandy areas, or bluffs with rock outcrops, typically on acidic substrates (although rare populations on calcareous substrates are known).[6]