Androsace nivalis is a species of flowering plant in the primrose family Primulaceae with the common name snow dwarf-primrose.[1] It was previously placed in the genus Douglasia, which is now known to be nested within Androsace.[2]
Androsace nivalis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Primulaceae |
Genus: | Androsace |
Species: | A. nivalis
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Binomial name | |
Androsace nivalis (Lindl.) Wendelbo
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Description
editAndrosace nivalis forms low clumps to extended mats with small dentate (sometimes entire) broadly lanceolate to linear leaves arranged in rosettes. Leaf surfaces and flower stems are covered with short stellate or branched hairs. Flower stems arise from leaf axils and give rise to small terminal clusters. The showy flowers have 5 pinkish purple petals, usually with a darker purple throat. Flower clusters are held well above the mat-like foliage.[3]
Range
editAndrosace nivalis is endemic to the Wenatchee Mountains in Washington state and nearby areas.[3]
Habitat
editAndrosace nivalis grows in open forest and dry rocky slopes and meadows from about 600 m elevation to the alpine zone, often on rocky serpentine soils.[3]
Etymology
editThe species name nivalis (Latin "snow covered") refers to the fact that the plant emerges early in spring, often when snow is still on the ground.
Taxonomy
editAndrosace nivalis contains the following subspecies:
References
edit- ^ a b c "Androsace nivalis (Snow Dwarf Primrose)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2022-09-19.
- ^ "Androsace L.", Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2019-12-27
- ^ a b c Hitchcock, C.L. and Cronquist, A. 2018. Flora of the Pacific Northwest, 2nd Edition, p. 397. University of Washington Press, Seattle.