Loiseleuria procumbens

Loiseleuria procumbens
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliophyta
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Loiseleuria
Species: L. procumbens
Binomial name
Loiseleuria procumbens
Desv.

The Loiseleuria procumbens, alpine azalea, are dwarf shrubs of high mountain regions of Northern hemisphere that usually grow no more than 10cm. It shares the history of a family Kalmiopsis leachiana. The genus Loiseleuria was named by a Parisian botanist, Nicaise Auguste Desvaux.

Contents

Distribution

Loiseleuria procumbens is not well known though it has been widely distributed . These plants are common in the subarctic regions and high mountains of the northern hemisphere. This species are also found in Eurasia.

Habitat and Ecology

Loiseleuria procumbens prefers alpine or subalpine, rocky exposed habitat. These plants grows in cold and dry areas.

Morphology

Individuals of this species are shrub grown for two to five rose-pink flowers. Its leaves are opposite and its evergreen leaves are leathery, and have incised margin.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers of “Loiseleuria procumbens” are bell shaped and five lobed, and have five stamens. The flowering time is late spring and summer however it also depends upon altitude and climate.

References

  1. Maine Department of Conservation Natural Areas Program. 2004. Loiseleuria procumbens (L.) Desv. Alpine Azalea. http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mnap/features/loiseleuria_procumbens.pdf
  2. Wiley, L. 1969. Rare wild flowers of North America. Pp 308- 313.