Zeltnera trichantha

Zeltnera trichantha is a species of flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae.^[1][2] It is referred to by the common name alkali centaury. It is endemic to northern California.^[3]

Zeltnera trichantha
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Gentianaceae
Genus:	Zeltnera
Species:	Z. trichantha
Binomial name
Zeltnera trichantha (Griseb.) G.Mans.
Synonyms[1]
Centaurium trichanthum (Griseb.) B.L.Rob. Erythraea trichantha Griseb. Erythraea trichantha var. angustifolia Griseb.

Description

Zeltnera trichantha plants are up to 45 centimetres (18 in) tall with ovate to lanceolate leaves up to 4 centimetres (1.6 in) long. The inflorescence is flat topped and densely packed with small but showy pink flowers with five petals and a yellow to white throat.^[4]

Range and habitat

Zeltnera trichantha is native to northern California, mostly in coastal hills and mountains and occasionally in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It often grows in alkaline vernal pools and saline flats, sometimes on serpentine soils.^[4]