Hexastylis minor (Ashe) H.L. Blomq. - Heart-Leaf, Wild Ginger
Family - Aristolochiaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
N/A
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flowering - February - April.
Habitat - Mixed deciduous forests, bluffs, streambanks.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This little species can be found is uncommon in Alabama and has been reported in just two counties to date. The plant can be identified by its cordate leaves and small reddish-maroon flowers. The flowers are widest at the apex and taper unevenly towards the base. The lobes of the calyx(flower) are very broad at the base and are more broad than long.
The genus name is derived from the Greek "hex(a)" meaning "six" and "styl", referring to the typically six stigmas(styles) of the plant.
The species epithet minor is Latin for "small" or "less" because the plant is usually not very large or robust.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken somewhere in North Carolina, 3-23-03.