Geocarpon glabrum explained

Geocarpon glabrum, commonly called Appalachian stichwort, is a species of flowering plant in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae). It is native to the eastern United States, where it has a scattered distribution.

Its natural habitat is areas of siliceous rock outcrops, which include granite, sandstone, gneiss, and schist. In the Cumberland Mountains, this species is a major component of sandstone glade communities.[1] Due to its narrow habitat requirements, this species is uncommon throughout its range.[2]

Geocarpon glabrum is a small, delicate annual. It produces white flowers in late spring and early summer.[3] It is similar to Geocarpon groenlandicum, which it was historically considered a variety of. It can be distinguished from G. groenlandicum by its taller stature, annual habit, upright and not mat-forming growth, smaller petals, and flowers in greater number per cyme.[4] In addition, G. glabrum is found in lower elevations than G. groenlandicum.[5]

Notes and References

  1. http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchSystemUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.723168 Cumberland Sandstone Glade and Barrens
  2. http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Minuartia+glabra Minuartia glabra
  3. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250060635 Minuartia glabra
  4. Web site: Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States . Alan Weakley . 2015.
  5. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/minuartia/glabra/ Minuartia glabra