Family: Gentianaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 632 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Obolaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Pennywort, scientifically known as Obolaria virginica, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. Revered for its unique characteristics and ecological significance, Pennywort finds its natural habitat distributed across the central and eastern regions of the United States. The species was first documented in the renowned botanical literature ‘Species Plantarum’ in 1753, authored by the acclaimed botanist Carl Linnaeus, who is often denoted simply as ‘L.’
Obolaria virginica thrives in moist, shaded environments, typically flourishing in deciduous forests and along the forest floor where it benefits from rich organic soil. This perennial herb is easily recognizable by its small size, typically reaching up to 15 centimeters in height. One of its most striking features is its delicate, bell-shaped flowers which emerge in early spring. The flowers exhibit a subtle charm with a blend of pale green to whitish hues, often tinged with a light purple, making them a serene addition to the forest’s undergrowth during their blooming period.
The leaves of Pennywort are equally notable; they are opposite, simple, and usually oblong with a succulent texture, which assists in retaining moisture within the plant – an adaptive feature ensuring its survival in its preferred damp conditions. In addition, the stems of Obolaria virginica are somewhat translucent and purplish, adding an ethereal quality to its overall appearance.
Ecologically, Pennywort plays a vital role in its ecosystem. It serves as an early-season nectar source for various insects, including bees and butterflies, thus contributing to the biodiversity and health of its habitat. Its presence indicates a well-preserved forest environment, often signaling a stable eco-region.
Despite its modest size, Pennywort holds a place of curiosity and admiration among botanists and nature enthusiasts. Its specific environmental preferences and distinctive physical attributes make it a subject of interest for studies focused on forest ecology and plant adaptation strategies.
In summary, Obolaria virginica, or Pennywort, is much more than a minor woodland plant. It embodies the beauty and complexity of the ecosystems it inhabits, playing a crucial part in both its immediate environment and broader botanical studies. Its legacy, as noted in Carl Linnaeus’s 18th-century writings, continues to inspire appreciation and scientific inquiry today.
Common Names
Eng: virginia pennywort, pennywort
En: Pennywort, Virginia pennywort
Synonyms
- Shultzia virginica ((L.) Kuntze)
- Schultesia obolarioides (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 20, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Barefoot (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 5, 2021 by S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Katy Ray (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 9, 2016 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 1, 2016 by EOL − Sun (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 28, 2016 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 20, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 16, 2014 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 20, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414495)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:171349-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Obolaria virginica L.)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
