Lepuropetalon spathulatum Elliott. Lepuropetalon, Little-people, Petiteplant. Phen: Feb-Apr. Hab: In moist open areas, such as seepage on granitic flatrocks, ditches, seasonally wet depressions. Dist: Se. NC and SC south to GA and FL Panhandle (Kunzer et al. 2009), west to e. TX and Mexico; also in Chile and Uruguay.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Other Comments: As indicated by Ward & Gholson (1987), Lepuropetalon is more common than collections would indicate; the rosettes are 0.5-2 (-3) cm across, the greenish flowers are 2-3 mm across. It has been considered "the smallest terrestrial angiosperm" (Morgan & Soltis 1993). Its apparently greater abundance in the western portion of its range, where largely found by a few botanists "who have made determined efforts to establish its range" (Ward & Gholson), and in habitats such as granitic flatrocks, which have overall received close scrutiny, may be more a reflection of its diminutive size and early season of occurrence than of its real distribution and abundance. The recent increase in collections, mostly in disturbed or human-maintained habitats, also suggests a possible increase in abundance (and range?) from its original state. It should be more vigorously sought in the eastern part of our area. The presence of lines of red glandular dots on the leaves and sepals is a helpful diagnostic character.

Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, FNA12, GW2, K1, K3, K4, NcTx, RAB, S, S13, Tx, WH3

Links to other floras: = Lepuropetalon spathulatum - FNA12

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACW
• Great Plains: FACW

Heliophily ⓘ: 9