Aliciella

Aliciella is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polemoniaceae, commonly known as the phlox family. These plants are native to western North America, with a significant concentration of species found in the Great Basin region.

Aliciella species are typically annual or biennial herbs, often characterized by their slender, erect stems and needle-like leaves, which can be entire or divided. The flowers are typically small and tubular, with a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and yellow. The inflorescence is often a cyme or a cluster of flowers at the end of the stem.

The genus Aliciella has undergone taxonomic revisions. Previously, many species now classified within Aliciella were included in the genus Gilia. Morphological and molecular data supported the segregation of Aliciella as a distinct genus. Key distinguishing features include specific leaf characteristics and floral structures.

Aliciella species often inhabit dry, open habitats such as deserts, scrublands, and rocky slopes. They are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Their bloom time is generally in the spring and early summer.

Conservation status varies among Aliciella species, with some facing threats due to habitat loss and other environmental factors. Further research may be needed to fully understand the distribution, ecology, and conservation needs of certain members of the genus.