Ribes mescalerium (Mescalero Currant)
Family
GROSSULARIACEAE
Synonyms
NONE
Common Name
Mescalero Currant
| USFWS | State of NM | USFS | BLM | Navajo Nation | State Rank | Global Rank | R-E-D Code | NMRPTC Status | Strategy Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4? | G4? | 1-1-2 | R | SS |
| Overall Conservation Status | Documented Threats | Actions Needed |
|---|---|---|
| WEAKLY CONSERVED | No information |
Determine rarity. Study effects of logging and forest fires |
Description
Erect shrub to 2.0 m tall; stems erect or ascending, unarmed, the twigs glandular-pubescent; leaves reniform to orbicular, shallowly 3- to 5-lobed, margins crenate-dentate, base cordate to cuneate, both surfaces glandular-pubescent; hypanthium about 2 times or less as long as wide, 3.0-4.0 mm long, greenish-white, anthers with a conspicuous cup-shaped apical gland; berries black, globose and glandular-pubescent. Flowers May to August.
Similar Species
Ribes cereum has reddish, glabrous berries. Its hypanthia are usually 3 times longer than wide.
Distribution
New Mexico, Lincoln and Otero counties, Sacramento and Guadalupe mountains; adjacent Texas, Culberson County.
Habitat
Dry slopes in open montane coniferous forests; 2,100-2,700 m (7,000-9,000 ft).
Remarks
Populations are widely scattered in the mountains of south-central New Mexico and adjacent Texas.
Conservation Considerations
Field work is needed to determine the distribution and abundance of this plant. The effects of logging and forest fires on this species have not been studied.
Important Literature
Carter, J.L. 1997. Trees and shrubs of New Mexico. Johnson Books, Boulder, Colorado.
Correll, D.S. and M.C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular plants of Texas. Texas Research Foundation, Renner, Texas.
*Vines, R.A. 1960. Trees, shrubs and woody vines of the Southwest. University of Texas Press, Austin.
Powell, A.M. 1988. Trees and shrubs of Trans-Pecos Texas. Big Bend Natural History Association, Alpine, Texas.
Information Compiled By
Jack Carter 1999
For distribution maps and more information, visit Natural Heritage New Mexico