Dalea austrotexana, common name dune dalea, is a plant species endemic to southern Texas. It is known only from Jim Hogg, Brooks, Cameron, Kenedy and Starr Counties, all at the very southern tip of the state. The species prefers sandy locations such as coastal dunes or sand flats.[1]

Dalea austrotexana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Dalea
Species:
D. austrotexana
Binomial name
Dalea austrotexana
B.L.Turner
Range of Dalea austrotexana

Dalea austrotexana is trailing, perennial herb with woody, orange taproots. Stems lay prostrate on the ground. Leaves are odd-pinnate, up to 2 cm (0.8 inches) long. Flowers are pale purple. Fruits are about 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) long, densely hairy. The species appears related to D. lanata; indeed, herbarium specimens had been labeled as such until D. austrotexana was described as a new species in 2006.[1][2][3]

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