Mecardonia acuminata

(Walter) Small

Fl. S.E. U.S., 1065, 1337. 1903.

Common names: Axilflower
IllustratedEndemic
Basionym: Gratiola acuminata Walter Fl. Carol., 61. 1788
Synonyms: Bacopa acuminata (Walter) B. L. Robinson
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 17. Treatment on page 273. Mentioned on page 274.

Stems erect, 10–60 cm, glandular. Leaves glandular; blade 9–30 × 6–10 mm, 1–2 times bracts, margins weakly serrate. Pedicels divaricate or ascending, 6–22 mm. Flowers: calyx lobes unequal; corolla white with purple veins in throat, adaxial lobes connate 1/2–2/3 lengths, abaxial lip not prominent; stamens distally adnate to corolla. Capsules 6–7 mm. Seeds 40–60, black, radial walls of reticulum smooth.

Distribution

Ala., Ark., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Kans., La., Miss., Mo., N.C., Okla., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va., W.Va.

Discussion

Varieties 3 (3 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Key

1 Stems branched from bases and diffuse; fruiting pedicels ascending, 1–2 times bracts. Mecardonia acuminata var. peninsularis
1 Stems branched from middles, rarely diffuse; fruiting pedicels divaricate, 1/2–2 times bracts. > 2
2 Fruiting pedicels 17–35 mm, 1–2 times bracts. Mecardonia acuminata var. acuminata
2 Fruiting pedicels 10–18 mm, 1/2–1 times bracts. Mecardonia acuminata var. microphylla