Sedum smallii, synonym Diamorpha smallii, is a species of plants in the family Crassulaceae.[1] It is known as elf orpine[2] and Small's stonecrop.[3] As Diamorpha smallii it was considered to be the only species in the genus Diamorpha.[4]

Sedum smallii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Sedum
Species:
S. smallii
Binomial name
Sedum smallii
(Britton) H.E.Ahles[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Diamorpha cymosa (Nutt.) Britton ex Small
  • Diamorpha smallii Britton
  • Sedum cymosum var. smallii (Britton) Fröd.
  • Sedum cymosum (Nutt.) Fröd., nom. illeg.
  • Tillaea cymosa Nutt.

Sedum smallii is endemic to the southeastern United States.[1] It becomes active in late fall and winter, blooms in late March, then dies. It has red succulent leaves that act to reflect light and hold water. It is found primarily on solution pools, shallow basins on rocky outcrops that contain seasonal pools. The plant is mainly found in Georgia, though populations have also been noted in Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is listed as an endangered species by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d "Sedum smallii (Britton) H.E.Ahles". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  2. ^ "Diamorpha smallii". Southeastern Flora.
  3. ^ "Diamorpha smallii Britton ex Small elf orpine". USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.
  4. ^ Moran, Reid V. "Diamorpha Nuttall". Flora of North America. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  5. ^ Todd Crabtree (2008). "Tennessee Natural Heritage Program Rare Plant List" (PDF). Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Natural Areas. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-04-23. Retrieved 2009-05-11.