#chimaphila

Rich acidic woodlands and ericaceous heath belts are the perfect habitat for this classic pipsissewa member either called commonly as striped(for leaves) or spotted (for fruit) wintergreen. Chimaphila spp. in eastern US are really unique members if the Ericaceae and have very unique reflexed(bent back) non gamopetalous/sepalous  Urceolate( urn shaped synapomorphic(traits commonly found in taxinomical liniage as an outgrouping character)) flower morphology. 

Spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), also known as striped wintergreen and striped prince’s pine, is now in bloom in the mesic oak-hickory woods along the Mon River Trail. The perennial evergreen’s unusual white flowers - with ten forked stamens surrounding a bulbous green pistil - are very short-lived (about a week or so). Unless you know specifically when a patch of these secretive beauties typically blooms in late June to early July, you’ll miss them altogether.

J has asked me what I intend to do with this area. I think the answer has to be "nothing", except maybe adding a couple more rhododendrons, carefully, so these little lovelies can continue to thrive.

鬱蒼として何かいても証拠写真も撮れないくらい薄暗いからどうしても行く気にならないんだよなぁ～

5/17 at Umstead State Park, North Carolina

Spotted Wintergreen (by me)

Pipsissewa - Chimaphila maculata

Went hiking with Freya, and didn’t even get out of sight of the parking lot before I came upon Delights. This is Pipsissewa - Chimaphila maculata.