Viola emarginata [phasmatifolia variant]

Common names:

None.

Synonyms:

None.

Description:

Growth form, foliage and peduncle color and indument same as the species; petioles prominently winged; leaf blade outline broadly oblong, leaf blades of some plants resembling a walkingstick insect (Diapheromera femorata), the central axis narrowly oblong-linear, each margin with 2–4 long slender variously bent processes; chasmogamous flowers same as the species, cleistogamous fruits and seeds unknown.

Ecology:

Somewhat acidic, well-drained sandy soils in oak and oak-pine forests, and open sites along forest borders and roadsides adjacent to open woodlands.

Distribution:

Piedmont of s.-c. VA south to c. NC.

Rarity:

None.

Phenology:

Same as V. emarginata sensu lato.

Affinities:

Same as V. emarginata sensu lato.

Comments:

This narrow regionally endemic variant is highly distinctive vegetatively. It should be sought in mature cleistogamous fruit to document capsule and seed morphology. Needs further study.

Literature Cited:

None.

 

Authored by Harvey Ballard on 24 March, 2020; last updated on 11 October, 2022.

Chasmogamous flowering habit by Harvey Ballard

Chasmogamous flowering habit by Harvey Ballard

Leaves by Harvey Ballard

Chasmogamous flower front view by Harvey Ballard

Chasmogamous flower profile view by Harvey Ballard

Map by Biota of North America Program