Dimorphocarpa wislizenii
A common brassicid with distinctive fruits. Rollins recognizes a separate species, Dimorphocarpa candicans, in New Mexico as well, but I am unable to find any differences between the two.
A flowering stem on the east side of the Rio Grande near Las Cruces, 8/29/04.
A fruit on the east side of the Rio Grande near Las Cruces, 8/29/04.
Plant habit at Black Mountain, south of Las Cruces, 3 Feb 2007.
Closer view of flowers on the east side of the Rio Grande near Las Cruces, 8/29/04.
Flowering stems on the east side of the Rio Grande near Las Cruces, 8/29/0.
Young rosettes at Black Mountain, south of Las Cruces, 3 Feb 2007.
Old fruiting stem at the Jornada del Muerto LTER, 15 Dec 2007.
Crispy plant, Jornada del Muerto, 15 Dec 2007.