Huachuca Water Umbel

Huachuca water umbel

Lilaeopsis schaffneriana ssp. recurva

Range:

Southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico; more specifically the San Pedro River, Santa Cruz River, Rio Yaqui, and Rio Sonora of Arizona and Mexico

Habitat:

Found in ciénegas, springs and other healthy riverine systems between 1,219 and 1,981m (4,000 and 6,500 ft) in elevation. Found in water depth of 5–15.2 cm (2–6 in) and benefits from intermittent flooding.

Size:

Leaves are often 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) high but may reach up to 20.3 cm (eight in) in favorable conditions.

Reproduction:

This plant reproduces both sexually through the flowers and asexually through the root.

Conservation status: Endangered

Threats:

Loss of habitat due to unsustainable groundwater withdrawal; effects of drought and climate change; wildfire and resulting sedimentation; invasive non-native plant competition; and poorly managed livestock grazing.

Appearance:

An herbaceous, semi-aquatic perennial. It has bright green leaves that are hollow and cylindrical that grow straight up from creeping roots. Three to ten small flowers appear on umbels (umbrella-like flower structures) rising from the root.

At the Phoenix Zoo:

We maintain a population of Huachuca water umbel at the Zoo as a backup for the wild population.

Did you know?

The Huachuca water umbel is a member of the carrot family