Malacothamnus astrotentaculatus is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common name starry-tentacled bushmallow. It is named after the somewhat tentacle-like outgrowths on the calyx that are covered in stellate trichomes. It is endemic to Shasta and Tehama counties in California.Morse, K. 2023. Malacothamnus Volume 2: A Phylogenetic Assessment of Taxonomic Boundaries in the Genus Malacothamnus (Malvaceae).Morse, K. 2023. Malacothamnus Volume 3: A Revised Treatment of the Genus Malacothamnus (Malvaceae) Based on Morphological and Phylogenetic Evidence.
Identification Malacothamnus astrotentaculatus is distinguished from the rest of the genus by the combination of linear calyx bracts, calyx lobes generally much wider above the base than at the base, and a spike-like inflorescence.
References
External links Identification guide to Malacothamnus with maps and photos Calphotos image gallery for Malacothamnus astrotentaculatus