Melanthera parvifolia
Fl. S.E. U.S., 1251, 1340. 1903.
Endemic
Synonyms: Melanthera radiata Small
Plants 30–60 cm. Stems sprawling to weakly erect, strigose to hirsute. Leaf blades ovate or 3-lobed, 1.5–4 × 1–1.5 cm, bases broadly ± cuneate, hastate, margins coarsely serrate (sometimes undulate), faces strigose to hispid. Heads borne singly. Peduncles 2.5–10 cm, hispid to strigose. Involucres 10–14 mm diam. Phyllaries lanceolate, 5–7 × 1.5–3 mm. Paleae 6–7 × 2 mm, apical mucros 1–1.5 mm, usually recurved. Florets 25–40; corollas 5 mm; anther sacs 1.5 mm. Cypselae 2.5–3 × 1.5–2 mm. 2n = 30.
Phenology: Flowering Feb–Apr (perhaps year-round).
Habitat: Old coral reefs or porous oölitic rocks in open pine forests
Elevation: 0–10+ m
Discussion
Melanthera parvifolia is known only from southern Florida, including Big Pine Key.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.