Proserpinaca pectinata Lam.
Family - Haloragaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flower.
Fruit.
Flowering - June - October.
Habitat - Bogs, savannahs, diches.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This little species can be found in a handful of southern counties. The plant can be identified by its habitat, pectinate leaves, and small, angled fruits.
According to Gray, the genus name Proserpinaca was a name used by Pliny for a Polygonum meaning "pertaining to Proserpina." The name was transferred to the present genus becasue of its ability to adapt to different habitat conditions. For more information on Proserpina, do a search on the web.
The species epithet pectinata derives from the Latin "pect(in)" meaning "a comb" referring to the leaves.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken in the Croatan National Forest, NC., 7-18-02.