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Mt. Sapphire rockcress
Scientific Name: Arabis fecunda
Family: Brassicaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Boechera fecunda: Mt. Sapphire Rockcress
Boechera fecunda, also known as Mt. Sapphire rockcress and bitterroot sapphire rockcress, is a flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Boechera fecunda
- Common Names: Mt. Sapphire rockcress, bitterroot sapphire rockcress
- Synonyms: Arabis fecunda, Arabis fecunda Rollins, Boechera fecunda (Rollins) Dorn
- Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
- The genus Boechera is named after Danish botanist Tyge W. Böcher.
Distribution and Habitat
This species is a state endemic, primarily found in southwest Montana. It is restricted to specific and localized areas, including:
- Beaverhead County, MT
- Silver Bow County, MT
- Ravalli County, MT
- Specifically, the Sapphire range in Ravalli County.
- Often found on metamorphosed limestone substrate.
- Sometimes found on dry, open limestone talus slopes, often with sagebrush or mountain mahogany
Morphological Characteristics
Arabis fecunda, now Boechera fecunda, is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
Ecological Role
- It is a rare endemic plant in Western Montana.
- Studies have been done on the survivorship, fecundity and growth of Arabis fecunda in relation to invasive species management.
Further Information
For more information, you can refer to:
- The PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov
- Discover Life: Information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis fecunda.
- Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP)
- University of Montana, Missoula