Papery Whitlow-wort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Papery Whitlow-wort |
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| P. chartacea in the white sand of the Florida scrub | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Paronychia
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| Species: |
chartacea
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The Paronychia chartacea, also known as the papery Whitlow-wort or paper nailwort, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant is very rare and grows only in Florida, United States. When a plant or animal lives only in one specific area, it's called endemic.
There are two types, or subspecies, of this plant. One type, called ssp. chartacea, lives in Central Florida, especially in an area called the Lake Wales Ridge. The other type, ssp. minima, is found in the Florida Panhandle. These two types grow in different places and never mix. Both subspecies are considered threatened and are protected by law.
What the Plant Looks Like
This plant is often an annual herb, meaning it usually lives for only one year. However, the ssp. chartacea type can sometimes live a bit longer, like a short-lived perennial. It has a short stem that spreads out and branches many times. This makes the plant look like a flat mat on the ground. The stem usually grows no longer than 20 centimeters (about 8 inches).
Small, tough leaves grow along the stem. They are shaped like an oval or a triangle and are only a few millimeters long. At the ends of the branching stems, you'll find dense groups of tiny flowers. These flower groups are called cymes.
The small flowers usually have five sepals (leaf-like parts that protect the flower bud), stamens (parts that produce pollen), and other parts. But sometimes, they might have only 3 or 4 parts. This is quite unique among the Paronychia plants found in North America. The sepals are brownish or purplish. Their edges are thin, papery, and look whitish or clear. The plant produces a tiny fruit called a utricle, which is only about half a millimeter long. The two subspecies are different sizes, with ssp. minima being smaller overall.
Where It Grows
This plant likes to grow in small, open spots within the Florida scrub habitat. It's one of the first plants to grow after a wildfire clears an area. Wildfires are important for this habitat because they help clear out old plants and make space for new ones. The plant grows best in white sand scrub.
The Central Florida type, ssp. chartacea, is found in open areas. These areas often have plants like rosemary and sand pine. It can also grow in places that have been recently disturbed. Other plants and lichens that grow nearby include Bonamia grandiflora, Hypericum cumulicola, and Cladonia perforata.
The northern type, ssp. minima, grows on the white sand edges of ponds and sinkholes. These sinkholes are found in areas with karst rock. This type of plant is found in Bay and Washington Counties. Even though this plant doesn't grow in many places and is threatened, it can be quite common in the small areas of habitat that are left.
Why It's Threatened
The biggest danger to the papery Whitlow-wort is the destruction of the Florida scrub habitat. People are building new homes and farms, like citrus groves, which are taking over these natural areas.
The remaining scrub areas are also losing their quality because of fire suppression. This means that wildfires, which are a natural part of the scrub ecosystem, are being stopped. The scrub needs regular wildfires to stay healthy. Without fire, the area becomes overgrown with larger trees and woody plants. These bigger plants block the sunlight, making it hard for smaller plants like the nailwort to grow. The open, sunny scrub turns into a forest, and the rare herbs disappear.
Some of the remaining scrub areas are now being carefully managed. This management includes controlled fires to keep the habitat healthy. In these protected areas, rare plants like the nailwort can continue to survive. The Lake Wales Ridge is home to many rare plants, and parts of it are now protected. These protected areas are located in Highlands, Polk, Lake, and Orange Counties.
