Lewisia brachycalyx is a species of flowering plant in the family Montiaceae, known by the common name short-sepal bitter-root or shortsepal lewisia. It is native to the mountains of the southwestern United States and Baja California,[1] where it grows in moist habitat such as meadows.
Lewisia brachycalyx is a deciduous perennial growing from a short thick taproot and caudex unit. It produces a basal rosette of thick, fleshy, blunt-tipped narrow leaves up to 8 centimeters long. The inflorescence is under 4 centimeters tall, taking the form of a cluster of several flowers sitting atop the leaf rosette. Each flower has 5 to 9 shiny white or pink petals about 2 centimeters long. At the center are many stamens and stigmas clumped together.[2] The Latin specific epithet brachycalyx means "having a short calyx".[3]
The genus Lewisia was moved in 2009 from the purslane family (Portulacaceae) with adoption of the APG III system, which established the family Montiaceae.
This plant is hardy down to -10C but requires well-drained, acid to neutral pH soil in full sun. It becomes dormant after flowering in the summer. It is a suitable subject for an alpine garden where it can be given the conditions that best replicate its natural habitat. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4] [5]