Valeriana umbilicata
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Valeriana umbilicata (synonym Valerianella umbilicata), known by the common name navel cornsalad.[1] It is a dicot, annual plant in the flowering plant family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to the Eastern North America and some parts of Canada and has no known uses other than being edible.[2]
| Valeriana umbilicata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Valeriana |
| Species: | V. umbilicata |
| Binomial name | |
| Valeriana umbilicata (Sull.) Christenh. & Byng (2018) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
Navel cornsalad is an herbaceous succulent annual plant.[3] It has dichotomously branched leaves that are attached along the stem rather than attached at the base. The leaves are spatulate, or "spoon-like" and are attached directly to the stem without a petiole.[3] It can be anywhere between 3-6 dm tall. The petals are either white or pink to red,[4] and range from 2–5 mm long. The pollen bearing organs project out strongly. They are rare and found in fields, roadsides, and waste places.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Valeriana umbilicata is native to CAN N and L48 N (lower 48 states)[2] and has a known distribution that includes specimens from the central Piedmont to the southern Mountains. This species appears to be absent from the northern mountains and the Piedmont foothills.[5] V. umbilicata is rare and lives in damp and open environments. It thrives in disturbed areas such as damp meadows, bottomland openings, roadsides,[5] marshes, and fields.[4]
Human disturbances such as development, deforestation, and changes must be avoided by the Valerianella umbilicata species. This species has minimal comprehensive habitat information.[6]
Uses
Conservation status
The global ranking on conservation status is G4-G5.[6][9] There is no US status,[6] however individual states have included a state rank. In Michigan, V. umbilicata is threatened (T) and legally protected by the state and holds a state rank of S2 - Imperiled.[6] North Carolina's state rank is SH - Endangered.[10] New Jersey's state rank is SH - Endangered.[2]