''Obolaria'' is a genus of flowering plant in the
gentian family Gentianaceae. It is
monotypic
In biology, a monotypic taxon is a taxonomic group (taxon) that contains only one immediately subordinate taxon. A monotypic species is one that does not include subspecies or smaller, infraspecific taxa. In the case of genera, the term "unispec ...
, being represented by the single species ''Obolaria virginica'', commonly known as Virginia pennywort.
It is native to the eastern United States, 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.
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
Plant litter (also leaf litter, tree litter, soil litter, litterfall or duff) is dead plant material (such as leaves, bark, needles, twigs, and cladodes) that have fallen to the ground. This detritus or dead organic material and its constituent ...
.
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References
{{taxonbar, from1=Q10340037, from2=Q18081542
Gentianaceae
Monotypic Gentianales genera
Gentianaceae genera