Chamaecrista chamaecristoides appears to be one of the first flowering plants to colonize coastal sand dunes (especially in the Gulf of Mexico), where it contributes to decreased sand movement, ultimately stabilizing the dunes (M. L. Martinez and P. Moreno-Casasola 1998). Three varieties are recognized in C. chamaecristoides. While var. cruziana is an annual herb that sometimes survives the winter, the other two varieties, var. brandegeei (Britton & Rose) H. S. Irwin & Barneby and var. chamaecristoides, are perennials that occur only in Mexico and differ from each other and var. cruziana in the width of their pods, 3–4 mm and 5–6 mm, respectively.

Distribution

Texas, Mexico.

Discussion

Varieties 3 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Chamaecrista chamaecristoides var. cruziana