Gratiola virginiana L. - Roundfruit Hedgehyssop
Family - Scrophulariaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Calyx.
Fruit.
Flowering - March - June.
Habitat - Ponds, sloughs, ditches.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This aquatic species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its habitat, opposite leaves, short to absent pedicels, white flowers, and globose fruits.
The genus name Gratiola derives from the Latin "grat(i)" meaning "pleasing, favor" referring to supposed medicinal properties.
The species epithet virginiana means "Virginian."
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Davis Ferry, Monroe County, AL., 3-25-06.