Montia dichotoma (Nutt.) Howell
dwarf montia (dwarf minerslettuce)
Montiaceae (Purslane family)
(Previously in Portulacaceae)

Introduction to Vascular Plants

Photograph

© Hans Roemer     (Photo ID #26154)


Map

E-Flora BC Static Map

Distribution of Montia dichotoma
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Species Information

General:
Annual herb from a fibrous root; stems ascending to erect, 1- to several, branching from the base, 2-5 (8) cm tall.
Leaves:
Basal leaves lacking; stem leaves linear, alternate, 6-20 mm long, 0.4-0.6 mm wide.
Flowers:
Inflorescence of small axillary racemes with 4-12 flowers on recurved stalks 2-4 mm long; petals 5, white, 1.5-2.5 mm long; sepals 2, 1.5-2.5 mm long; stamens usually 3.
Fruits:
Capsules, egg-shaped, 1.4-1.8 mm long; seeds usually 3, black, shiny, smooth, 0.8-1.2 mm long, appendage lacking.

SourceThe Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Illustration

If more than one illustration is available for a species (e.g., separate illustrations were provided for two subspecies) then links to the separate images will be provided below. Note that individual subspecies or varietal illustrations are not always available.

Habitat and Range

Moist seepage sites in the lowland zone; infrequent on SE Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, infrequent in SC BC; S to ID, MT and CA.

SourceThe Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Synonyms

Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Claytonia dichotoma Nutt.
Montiastrum dichotomum (Nutt.) Rydb.