Saxifraga rivularis
Saxifraga rivularis upernavik 2007-07-09.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Saxifragaceae
Genus: Saxifraga
Species:
S. rivularis
Binomial name
Saxifraga rivularis
Synonyms

Saxifraga debilis

Saxifraga rivularis is a species of saxifrage known by several common names, including highland saxifrage,[1]weak saxifrage,[2]alpine brook saxifrage, and pygmy saxifrage.

Distribution

Saxifraga rivularis is native to the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, where it has a Circumpolar distribution, occurring throughout the Arctic and into the alpine climates of mountainous temperate areas, such as the Sierra Nevada in California. It also occurs in the Highlands of Scotland, from which it takes its name, however it is very rare in this area.[3] It can be found in moist and wet, rocky habitat, in substrates rich in nitrogen and organic material, such as bird rocks and mossy peat flats.[4]

Description

Saxifraga rivularis is a small perennial herb growing not much more than 12 centimeters in maximum height. It has small, lobed leaves at the base and along the stem. Basal leaves are between 5-20mm in length, and petioles are substantially longer than the blade.[5] The inflorescence arises on a hairy, erect peduncle bearing white-petaled flowers and reproductive bulbils.

References

  1. ^ BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  2. ^ "Saxifraga rivularis". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  3. ^ Streeter et al. (2009), Collins Flower Guide, London, pp.238.
  4. ^ Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago
  5. ^ Streeter et al. (2009) Collins Flower Guide. London, pp.238

External links

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