Kalmia cuneata

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Kalmia cuneata
Illustration by Fitch (1910) [1]

Illustration by Fitch (1910)

Systematics
Class : Bedecktsamer (Magnoliopsida)
Asterids
Order : Heather-like (Ericales)
Family : Heather family (Ericaceae)
Genre : Laurel roses ( Kalmia )
Type : Kalmia cuneata
Scientific name
Kalmia cuneata
Michx.

Kalmia cuneata is a species of laurel rose ( Kalmia ) within the heather family(Ericaceae). It occurs only in the eastern US states of North Carolina and South Carolina and is called there ( English whitewicky, white-wicky, white wicky ). The TNC classifies it as "Endangered" ("G3").

description

Illustration from Southern wild flowers and trees , p. 387, panel CXXV

Vegetative characteristics

Kalmia cuneata grows as a shrub that reaches heights of 1.5 to 2 meters. It is deciduous, which in this case is a key trait. The alternate leaves are arranged in a petiole and a leaf blade. The simple leaf blade is up to 6 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide, broad-lanceolate and light green; in autumn they turn red.

Generative characteristics

The lateral inflorescence is a cluster or a fascicle of up to ten flowers. The hermaphrodite flowers are radially symmetrical and five-fold. The five petals are fused to form a lobed, open corolla; it is white with a red ring near the center. There are ten stamens .

The capsule fruit is relatively small.

Similar species

Kalmia cuneata can easily be distinguished from Kalmia carolina , which is evergreen with pink flowers and opposite leaves. It occurs in the same region as Kalmia latifolia , an equally evergreen plant with terminal inflorescences.

Occurrence and endangerment

Kalmia cuneata is found in seven counties in North Carolina and in one county in South Carolina. Its current area of ​​distribution coincides with the historical one, but the total area of ​​its distribution has decreased.

Kalmia cuneata mainly grows in ecotones between sandy hills and neighboring pocosins . The soils are moist and acidic. Kalmia cuneata grows along with other shrubs such as other species of the family Ericaceae Rhododendron viscosum , Lyonia lucida , Lyonia ligustrina var. Foliosiflora , Vaccinium corymbosum , Zenobia pulverulenta , Eubotrys racemosa , arboreum Oxydendrum and Gaylussacia frondosa and other shrubs such as Clethra alnifolia , Ilex glabra , Ilex coriacea , Aronia arbutifolia and Fothergilla gardenii . There are also trees in their habitat, but they are small and do not form a closed canopy . Trees are kept short by forest fires , which prevent the succession of larger trees within the shrub and herb layer.

The greatest danger for Kalmia cuneata comes from fighting forest fires, which prevent a natural fire regime . Loss of habitat, such as through cultivation for agriculture and forestry as well as urban development, also lead to a threat.

Taxonomy

The first description of Kalmia cuneata was by André Michaux . A synonym for Kalmia cuneata Michx. is Chamaedaphne cuneata (Michx.) Kuntze.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ JN Fitch: Kalmia cuneata . In: Curtis's Botanical Magazine . 136, London, September.
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h Kalmia cuneata Michx. . The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  3. ↑ a b c d Kalmia cuneata . Center for Plant Conservation. Archived from the original on October 26, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  4. ↑ a b c Shunguo Liu, Keith E. Denford, John E. Ebinger, John G. Packer, Gordon C. Tucker: Kalmia. In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Ed.): Flora of North America North of Mexico. Volume 8: Magnoliophyta: Paeoniaceae to Ericaceae. Oxford University Press, New York and Oxford, 2009, ISBN 978-0-19-534026-6 . Kalmia cuneata , p. 483 - online with the same text as the printed work.
  5. ↑ a b Kalmia cuneata at Tropicos.org. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, accessed July 7, 2019.

Web links

Commons : Kalmia cuneata  - collection of images, videos and audio files