Phryma leptostachya L. var. leptostachya
Detail
- Family
- Phrymaceae, s.s.
- Botanical Name
- Phryma leptostachya L. var. leptostachya
- Common Name
- Lopseed, American Lopseed
- Synonym(s)
- Phryma leptostachya L.
- Flora of Virginia Name/Status
- Phryma leptostachya L.
- Comments
- This species is a relict of the once-extensive Arcto-Tertiary Flora and a classic example of the contemporary eastern Asia-eastern North America disjunct pattern. All North American plants are var. leptostachya whereas e. Asian plants have been called var. asiatica. They differ little morphologically but show considerable DNA divergence. A North American origin of the genus, with subsequent dispersion to eastern Asia 3 to 6 million years ago, has been hypothesized (Nie et al., 2006, Amer. J. Bot. 93: 1343-1356). Given the long separation and current molecular divergence, recognition of infraspecific taxa seems appropriate.
- Habitat
- In a wide range of mesic to rather dry upland forests, woodlands, and well-drained floodplain forests; most characteristic of moderately to strongly base-rich soils. Common in the mountains and Piedmont; frequent in the Coastal Plain.
- Native Status
- Native
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