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screwstem
Scientific Name: Bartonia
Family: Gentianaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Twining Screwstem (Bartonia paniculata)
Twining Screwstem, scientifically known as Bartonia paniculata, is an inconspicuous annual or biennial plant.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The plant is small and slender, with tiny, scale-like leaves which could be a potential choking hazard for pets or children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bartonia paniculata (Michx.) Muhl.
- Common Name: Twining Screwstem
- The genus Bartonia was named for Philadelphia botanist Benjamin Smith Barton by Henry Muhlenberg.
Distribution and Habitat
- Primarily found along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from Newfoundland to Louisiana.
- Also found inland in the southeast to Arkansas.
- Prefers acidic sandy-peaty wetlands.
Morphological Characteristics
- Small saprophytic annual, typically 20-40 cm in height.
- Stems are very slender and appear leafless, but have tiny scale-like leaves.
Ecological Role
- Likely a saprophytic mycotroph, obtaining most of its nutrients from decaying organic matter through a symbiotic relationship with fungi.
Additional Information
- Global Rank: G5T5
- State Rank: Varies by location (e.g., S3 in some states, S1 and Threatened in others, on the state watch list in Maryland).
- Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Moderately Vulnerable
Resources
- Endangered Resources Program provides identification information, photos, and links.
- Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bartonia paniculata.
- ResearchGate hosts information about Bartonia paniculata.
- Wikimedia Commons has images of Bartonia verna (White Screwstem).