Primula specuicola explained

Primula specuicola (common names - cavedwelling primrose, cave primrose, Easter flower) is perennial plant in the primrose family (Primulaceae) found in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands region of the southwestern United States.[1]

Description

Growth pattern

It is a perennial plant from 2inchesto11inchesin (toin) tall with withered leaves at the base.[1]

Leaves and stems

NaNinchesto8inchesin (toin) leaves are green on top and whitish underneath, spatula shaped (spatulate) to elliptical, and sometimes toothed at the margins.[1]

Inflorescence and fruit

It is one of the earliest bloomers in its habitat, blooming from February to June.[1] "Primula" means first, referring to the early bloom time of the genus.[1] The inflorescence is a cluster of flowers at the end of a leafless stalk.[1] The flowers are lavender to pink, have a corolla tube with a yellow ring at the mouth, and then flare into five lobes, with two lobes at the end of each of the 5.

Habitat and range

It only grows in the Colorado Plateau (endemic) near seeps and hanging gardens.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Canyon Country Wildflowers, Damian Fagan, 2nd ed., 2012, Morris Bush Publishing, LLC. in cooperation with Canyonlands Natural History Association,