Chelone cuthbertii
Fl. S.E. U.S., 1058, 1337. 1903.
Stems 23–100 cm. Leaves: petiole 0–3 mm; blade broadly lanceolate to ovate, 49–115 × 10–36 mm, base rounded, margins once-serrate, teeth 2–7 per cm, abaxial surface glabrous or pilose, adaxial usually glabrous. Cymes 25–70 mm; bracts 3–8 × 3–8 mm, ape× obtuse to acute. Flowers: caly× lobes 5–9 × 3–6 mm, margins not or sparsely ciliate; corolla pink-red to purple, tube 11–19 mm, abaxial lobes 8–17 × 3–11 mm, adaxial slightly keeled; palate yellow-bearded; adaxial filaments 11–23 mm; staminode 6–15 mm, ape× purple; style 16–24 mm. 2n = 28.
Phenology: Flowering Jul–Oct.
Habitat: Bogs, streamsides, wet streamheads, swamps.
Elevation: 0–1200 m.
Distribution
Ga., N.C., S.C., Va.
Discussion
Chelone cuthbertii occurs in the coastal plain and Appalachian regions. The species can be distinguished from others of the genus by its short petioles and purple-tipped staminodes.
Chelone cuthbertii is rare throughout its range, making it especially vulnerable to extinction. Drainage of wetlands and bog succession threaten the habitat where the species is found (NatureServe, www.natureserve.org/explorer).
Selected References
None.