Viola emarginata [xiphophylla variant]
Common names:
None.
Synonyms:
None.
Description:
Growth form, foliage and peduncle color and indument same as the species; leaf blade outline narrowly long-triangular, leaf blades resembling a sword, the central axis narrowly oblong-linear without lobes or occasionally a shorter narrowly linear-falcate lobe near the base on one or both sides, the lateral primary divisions reduced to 1–2 close linear-falcate lobes; chasmogamous flowers same as the species, cleistogamous fruits and seeds unknown.
Similar species:
See Viola emarginata [species complex].
Ecology:
Limited information suggests sandy or rocky soils in montane oak and oak-pine forests, or dry open oak barrens.
Distribution:
Piedmont of s.-c. VA south to c. NC.
Rarity:
None.
Phenology:
Same as V. emarginata [species complex].
Affinities:
Same as V. emarginata [species complex].
Comments:
This narrow regionally endemic variant is highly distinctive, and it should be sought in mature cleistogamous fruit. Needs further study.
Literature Cited:
None.
Summer vegetative habit by Janie Marlow
Summer vegetative habit by Janie Marlow
Map by Biota of North America Program