Eremocarya

Eremocarya is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, native to western North America. The sole species in this genus is Eremocarya lepida. It is a small, annual herb that typically grows in sandy or gravelly soils, often in open, arid or semi-arid habitats. The plant is characterized by its small, white, or sometimes pale pink, funnel-shaped flowers which appear in spring. The leaves are basal and often have a somewhat hairy texture. Eremocarya lepida is found in parts of California, Nevada, and Oregon. It is not considered to be of conservation concern, though its habitat can be subject to disturbance. The genus name Eremocarya is derived from Greek words meaning "desert" and "nut," referring to its habitat and the type of fruit it produces. This genus and species are of interest to botanists studying plant adaptations to arid environments and the evolutionary relationships within the Boraginaceae family.