| Globe bladderpod | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Physaria |
| Species: | P. globosa |
| Synonyms | |
|
Lesquerella globosa |
|
Physaria globosa (syn. Lesquerella globosa), is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family commonly known as Globe bladderpod. It is native to Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, with an unverified report from Ohio. [2] It is a rare species throughout its range and currently a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act.[3]
Physaria globosa is a small plant covered with dense hairs giving it a grayish appearance. It produces yellow flowers in the spring, and its fruit is globe-shaped. Its preferred habitat is dry limestone cliffs, barrens, cedar glades, steep wooded slopes, and talus areas. Some have also been found in areas of deeper soil and roadsides.
Physaria globosa is thought to have greatly declined throughout its range. Niche competition from invasive Brassicaceae along with human construction have decreased its available habitat. It is also likely that trails of native large herbivores may have promoted habitat for this species in historic times. Today there are only 33 known locations for this species, with a total estimate of 2000 individual plants. Lack of suitable areas to colonize have made these small populations vulnerable to extirpation. [4]