Wishbone bush

Mirabilis laevis var. crassifolia

So named for the resemblance of the forked branches to the wishbone of poultry.  A much branched low perennial bush, very common on dry slopes and stony washes in coastal sage scrub.  As with other members of this family, there are no true petals but a petal-like purplish calyx subtended by greenish bracts.  The seeds
and root are poisonous and may cause dermatitis if handled. 

Nyctaginaceae

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