helianthus paradoxus

Helianthus paradoxus (paradox sunflower, puzzle sunflower, Pecos sunflower) is a threatened species of sunflower found only in west Texas, Utah, and New Mexico salt marshes by the edges of inland salt lakes and salt flats.

Helianthus paradoxus formed 75,000-208,000 years ago as a hybrid of H. annuus, the common sunflower, and Helianthus petiolaris, the prairie sunflower. The hybrid is more tolerant of salt than either parent species. Helianthus paradoxus is found in areas with salinity levels range ...