Obolaria | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Gentianaceae |
Tribe: | Gentianeae |
Subtribe: | Swertiinae |
Genus: | Obolaria L. |
Species: | O. virginica
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Binomial name | |
Obolaria virginica L.
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Obolaria is a genus of flowering plant in the gentian family Gentianaceae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Obolaria virginica, commonly known as Virginia pennywort.[1]
It is native to the eastern United States,[2] where it is found in nutrient-rich forests. It is believed to be mycoheterotrophic, getting much of its nutrients though a symbiotic relationship with fungi, instead of through its small purplish-green leaves.[3][4]
It is a perennial that produces white flowers in the spring. It is often difficult to locate due to its small stature, and tendency to be buried under leaf litter.[3][5]