Ranunculus platensis A. Spreng. - Prairie Buttercup
Family - Ranunculaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Arrow shows one of the minute flowers.
Flowering - February - April.
Habitat - Wet hammocks, floodplains, moist to wet ground, lawns.
Origin - Native to South America (Brazil and Argentina).
Other information - This little species can be found in a handful of southern Alabama counties. The plant can be identified by its sprawling habit, tiny flowers and fruits, and sessile flowers (which are borne opposite the leaves).
The genus name Ranunculus means "little frog" from the Latin "ran" meaning "frog" and "culu" meaning "little". The name comes from the aquatic members of the genus that share habitat with frogs.
The species epithet platensis is derived from the Latin "plat" meaning "flat" and "ens" meaning "belonging to" or "of". The plant could be named for the typically flat, moist areas that are its habitat.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Hwy 27, Polk County, FL., 2-13-03.