We have had some nice spring-like weather recently, but without the rain. Of course, you can barely count the sprinkles this morning. However, plants are starting their rosettes despite the lack of water. Some plants will like it and others not so much.
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)! FNCT says the bloom time is from late February to early April. However, for the last ten years since I started watching for it, the flower has consistently bloomed in early January. Often by examining an area around the initial subject, other cool items might be found like this exuvia of a millipede.The bloom lasts for about two weeks. Furthermore, the flowers only open on sunny days.A Spring Beauty with multiple buds.An unopen bud. A terminal raceme may have up to fifteen flowers. Additional buds are in the back in this photo.The five petals are wrapped tightly before opening. Two sepals (the part enclosing the petals). The sepals protects the developing reproductive structures.The leaves are almost succulent-like. They are well hidden in the grasses. In 2009, Spring Beauty was moved from Portulacaceae to the Montiaceae family. I needed a closer look at the plant. So using my pocket knife, I dug up a couple. However, there was something missing, the corm. The corm must be deeper. So I went back to the house to get a shovel.The corm was about five to six inches in the ground.What an interesting plant!Apparently the Indigenous people ate the small corms. Hence, maybe the origin of the other common name, Fairy Spud. Definitely looks like enough for a fairy feast, eh! Yet where are the Pixie Cup (Lichens) to wash down the meal? LOL
Indeed, watch for these beauties now. And think of the fairies feasting!
Hmm what are you going to do with the corms!! Did you rebury them?
Right now they are in jar with a little water. Considering pressing for a BRIT specimens.
Glad youre finding flowers in spite of the dry weather. Did you rebury them corms?
So after talking with Claire last night, apparently the Fairy Spuds are finding a new home in Claire’s yard prairie. 🙂
Cool post – I didn’t know spring beauty made a corm. Interesting article about the Permian mass extinction.
It was new to me too.