Plant · GBIF taxon 3104005
Odora
Porophyllum gracileAlso known as Slender Poreleaf, Hierba del Venado, Odora Poreleaf
Slender poreleaf forms low, bushy clusters of wiry green stems topped with delicate whitish to purplish flower heads across gravelly desert hillsides. Translucent oil glands embedded along its narrow leaves release a pungent, herbal aroma whenever the foliage is brushed or crushed. This strong aromatic profile deters mammalian herbivores while its drought-tolerant roots anchor shifting soils in arid desert washes.
AromaticDesert NativeWildflower
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Monsoon Rains
- Desert Soil Minerals
Predators
- Desert Grasshoppers
- Caterpillars
- Black-tailed Jackrabbits
ThreatsHabitat loss from urban expansion and off-road vehicle activity
HabitatsRocky slopes, sandy desert washes, and desert scrublands
Life spanPerennial (5–15 years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsterales
- FamilyAsteraceae
- GenusPorophyllum
- SpeciesPorophyllum gracile
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe Oil Glands: Look closely at the narrow leaves under bright light to spot translucent scent pores.
- Sniff Nearby Foliage: Gently brush against stems to release the characteristic aromatic oil scent.
- Watch for Pollinators: Check flower heads during sunny spring days for small native bees and flies.
Desert Neighbor no rights reserved · cc0
Frequent Companion (c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by W. Terry Hunefeld · cc-by
Habitat Companion (c) Alix Kosmala, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alix Kosmala · cc-by
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