Allophyllum, commonly known as false gillyflowers, is a small genus of annual flowering plants in the phlox family, Polemoniaceae, placed within the order Ericales. The genus comprises around five to six accepted species, all native to western North America.
Plants in this genus are hairy and glandular annuals, producing tall, slender, branching stems. The stems are topped with clusters of small tubular flowers that range through varying shades of purple, though at least one species (Allophyllum integrifolium) bears white flowers. Many species are notably sticky to the touch due to their glandular hairs, and a particularly adhesive feature of the genus is that the seeds become gluey when wetted — an adaptation thought to aid seed dispersal by adhering to passing animals or soil particles.
The genus was described by A. D. Grant and V. E. Grant and is closely related to Gilia, from which it was segregated; the common name "false gillyflower" reflects this superficial similarity. Well-known members include Allophyllum glutinosum (sticky false gillyflower), Allophyllum divaricatum (purple false gillyflower), Allophyllum gilioides (dense false gillyflower), and Allophyllum integrifolium (white false gillyflower).
Distribution
False gillyflowers are native to western North America, ranging from Washington state south through California, east to Utah, and into northwestern Mexico. They grow across this arid to semi-arid region, typically in open, disturbed, or dry habitats.
Taxonomy Notes
Allophyllum was segregated from Gilia and formally described by A. D. Grant and V. E. Grant. It belongs to the family Polemoniaceae (the phlox family) within the order Ericales. GBIF recognizes six descendants; Wikipedia lists five accepted species.
