Tragia cordata

Vines, 15–20 dm. Stems usually decumbent or twining, rarely erect, gray-green to light green, apex flexuous. Leaves: petiole 15–85 mm; blade ovate to broadly cordate, 4.5–10(–13) × 3.5–10 cm, base cordate, margins serrate, apex acuminate. Inflorescences terminal (often appearing leaf-opposed), glands absent, staminate flowers 20–60 per raceme; staminate bracts 1.5–2 mm. Pedicels: staminate 1.5–2.2 mm, persistent base 0.7–1 mm; pistillate 2.5–3 mm in fruit. Staminate flowers: sepals 3, green, 0.7–1 mm; stamens 3, filaments 0.2–0.5 mm. Pistillate flowers: sepals elliptic to ovate, 1.5–2 mm; styles connate 1/4–1/3 length; stigmas papillate. Capsules 11–13 mm wide. Seeds dark brown, 4.3–5.3 mm.

Phenology: Flowering spring–fall; fruiting summer–late fall.
Habitat: Rich deciduous forests, riverbanks, rocky thickets.
Elevation: 50–500 m.

Ala., Ark., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Miss., Mo., Okla., Tenn., Tex.

Discussion

Both the morphology and ecology of Tragia cordata make it unique among American members of Tragia. The relatively large, heart-shaped leaves separate it from the other Tragia in the flora area; it is the only twining species of Tragia found in the deciduous forest of the Midwest.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa