Micranthes integrifolia

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Micranthes integrifolia

synSaxifraga integrifolia

photo by Rod Gilbert



Micranthes integrifolia, commonly known as whole-leaf saxifrage or swamp saxifrage is a perennial herb in the Saxifragaceae family.


Synonyms:

  • Saxifraga integrifolia

Taxonomy

Kingdom Plantae - Plants
Subkingdom Viridaeplantae -green plants
Infrakingdom Strptophyta - land plants
Division Tracgeophyta - tracheophytes, vascular plants
Subdivision Spermatophytina - spermatophytes, seed plants
Infradivision Angiospermae - angiosperms, flowering plants
Class Magnoliopsida
Suborder Saxifraganae
Order Saxifragales, saxifrages
Family Saxifragaceae
Genus Saxifraga L. - saxifrage
Species Saxifraga integrifolia - Whole-leaf saxifrage[1]

Description

A somewhat hairy perennial, the leafless flowering stems usually growing singly from a rhizome, reaching 10-30 cm in height. Leaves form a basal rosette with no cauline leaves. The blades are 2-5 cm long, narrowly rhombic to rhombic-ovate, narrowed gradually to short, broad petioles. Prominent marginal hairs line the leaves and are rusty-woolly on the lower surface.

The inflorescence is a short, compact panicle, subtended by a leafy, rusty-woolly bracts. The calyx is broadly conic, the 5 lobes oblong-lanceolate, 1-2 mm. long and reflexed. Individual flowers have 5 white, obovate petals, 1.5-3 mm. long, at least half as broad as long. Stamens number 10 and are short, awl-shaped.[2]

Bloom Period

Late March - July[2]

Distribution

West side of the Cascades, British Columbia to Lincoln County, Oregon, and in the Columbia River Gorge[2]

Habitat

Prairies, grassy slopes and vernally moist areas, sea level to subalpine[2]

Uses

used ornamentally in rock gardens

Propagation

Can be propagated by seed, division or cuttings.
Seed should be planted in winter and barely covered. Germination takes place in 1 to 3 months at 16-21°C
Division should be done after flowering.
Cuttings in should be taken in late summer.[3]


Photo Gallery

References


References & Notes

  1. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=24278 Integrated Taxonomic Information System
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php?Genus=Saxifraga&Species=integrifolia Burke Museum University of Washington
  3. http://www.kadel.cz/flora/e/kvCard.asp-Id=5519.htm Rock Garden Plant Database


Seed

Abbreviation: MIIN

Average Measurement: 0.8 x 0.4 x 0.3

Measurement Range: L: 0.6 – 0.8, W: 0.2 – 0.5, D: 0.2 – 0.4

Features

Shape: Seed narrowed at hilum and opposite apex, forming points. Middle between hilum and opposite apex rounded. Hilum is puckered.

Color: Seeds golden brown, and slightly darker at hilum.

Surface: Seeds bumpy and longitudinally ridged. Seeds are slightly lustrous.

Latitudinal Cross Section: elliptical MIIN lat.png

Latitudinal Cross Section: elliptical MIIN long.png