Trillium underwoodii
Species of flowering plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trillium underwoodii, commonly known as the longbract wakerobin, is a species of flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it occurs in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.[1][2] It is a perennial herb that spreads by underground rhizomes.[3]
| Trillium underwoodii | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Melanthiaceae |
| Genus: | Trillium |
| Species: | T. underwoodii |
| Binomial name | |
| Trillium underwoodii | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
Trillium underwoodii is a perennial herb up to 20 cm tall, spreading by means of underground rhizomes.[3] The leaves are mottled with light, medium, and dark green blotches.[3][4] Flowers are foul-smelling or musk-scented, usually deep maroon or purplish red but occasionally yellow.[3][4] Small described the sepals as lanceolate and the berry as ovoid.[4]
Taxonomy
The species was first described by John K. Small in 1897.[4] In his original treatment, Small distinguished T. underwoodii from Trillium sessile, noting differences in overall size and habit as well as in floral characters such as the stamens and styles.[4] A 2019 molecular phylogenetic study found little genetic distinction between Trillium underwoodii and Trillium decipiens, suggesting that their status as separate species may require re-evaluation.[5]
Conservation
According to a 2019 assessment by the Trillium Working Group, Trillium underwoodii is considered a species of least concern globally, with a NatureServe conservation status of G4 ("apparently secure").[6]
The species occurs across southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and northern Florida.[6] Although population data are limited, some subpopulations are reported to be large.[6] Potential threats include habitat degradation from logging and urbanization, herbivory by overabundant white-tailed deer, disturbance from feral pigs, and competition from invasive plant species such as Japanese stiltgrass, bush honeysuckle, English ivy, Chinese privet, and trifoliate orange.[6] However, no widespread population declines have been documented.[6]
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