Limewater brookweed (Samolus ebracteatus, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: t. 129 (1817))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: t. 129 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Samolus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. U.S.A. to Guatemala, Bahamas to Cuba

Description

Limewater brookweed, scientifically known as Samolus ebracteatus, is a notable species within the family Primulaceae. The plant was first described in the early 19th century by the renowned botanists F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland, and C.S.Kunth, as documented in their seminal work “Nov. Gen. Sp.” published in 1817 (Vol. 2: t. 129).

This resilient species is mainly found in the central and southern regions of the United States, extending its habitat down to Guatemala. Additionally, it thrives in various Caribbean locales including the Bahamas and Cuba. Known for its adaptability, Limewater brookweed typically occupies wet, saline environments, often along the edges of water bodies such as ponds, streams, and ditches.

Limewater brookweed is characterized by its delicate white flowers that form in loose clusters, contributing to its subtle yet attractive appearance. The foliage of the plant is equally modest, with lance-shaped, green leaves that exhibit a glossy texture. Despite its humble aesthetic, this plant plays a significant role in the ecosystems it inhabits, providing habitat and food for various aquatic and terrestrial species.

Due to its extensive distribution and ecological importance, Samolus ebracteatus has garnered interest from botanists and ecologists alike. Studies focus not only on its botanical characteristics but also on its potential applications in conserving wetland environments and supporting biodiversity.

Common Names

Eng: mojave water pimpernel, bractless brookweed, limewater brookweed
En: Limewater brookweed, BRACTLESS BROOKWEED, Mojave water pimpernel

Synonyms

• Samodia ebracteata ((Kunth) Baudo)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by dude sailaway (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by dude sailaway (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2012 by EOL − Jason Sharp (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by dude sailaway (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2020 by Jayme DePaolo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 4, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169311)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30039925-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Samolus ebracteatus Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth