Primula specuicola

Primula specuicola (common names - cavedwelling primrose,[1] cave primrose, Easter flower) is perennial plant in the primrose family (Primulaceae) found in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands region of the southwestern United States.[2]:129

Primula specuicola
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Primula
Species:
P. specuicola
Binomial name
Primula specuicola
Rydb.

Description

Growth pattern

It is a perennial plant from 2 to 11 inches (5.1 to 27.9 cm) tall with withered leaves at the base.[2]:129

Leaves and stems

3⁄4 to 8 inches (1.9 to 20.3 cm) leaves are green on top and whitish underneath, spatula shaped (spatulate) to elliptical, and sometimes toothed at the margins.[2]:129

Inflorescence and fruit

It is one of the earliest bloomers in its habitat, blooming from February to June.[2]:129 "Primula" means first, referring to the early bloom time of the genus.[2]:129 The inflorescence is a cluster of flowers at the end of a leafless stalk.[2]:129 The flowers are lavender to pink, have a corolla tube with a yellow ring at the mouth, and then flare into five lobes, with two lobes at the end of each of the 5.

Habitat and range

It only grows in the Colorado Plateau (endemic) near seeps and hanging gardens.[2]:129

References
  1. "Primula specuicola". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  2. Canyon Country Wildflowers, Damian Fagan, 2nd ed., 2012, Morris Bush Publishing, LLC. in cooperation with Canyonlands Natural History Association, ISBN 978-0-7627-7013-7
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