Cleistogamous Found

This picture was posted in May.  Fringed polygala is the name of this elusive native wildflower.  We previously lost a large patch that grew impressively from a transplant.  Invaders finished it and we have not been able to move this plant since.

There is some question if the brightly colored blossom plays any part in the production of seed.  This developing seed pod at ground level has no connection to the May flower.  This is the first time that we have been able to find this secondary never opening flower that produces self pollinated seed.  Now we shall attempt to follow this treasure intending to discover when the seed ripens.  This tiny plant is across the lane but we have permission to meddle here.

We have followed this plant for several years.  It displays a more mature stem with several leaves.  It is highly likely that the pictured flower grew on this plant.  At this point in time we have found the locations of two cleistogamous seed pods.  If we can follow developments here, seed will be planted in our shade garden within sight of the highway when the time is right.  An important first step has been taken but much more investigation needs to follow if we are to see a successful move.

 This photo shows newly forming flowers on the more common Partridgeberry.  Aside from the two flowers joined at the base intending to form a single seed carrying berry, this plant will help us remember when Polygala begins its possibly summer long process of making viable seed.

Finally Fringed Polygala Blossoms

In our area Mother's Day is associated with Fringed polygala for those who even know of this plants existence.  We appeared here on that day but could find no trace of this plant.  This is what we found five days later.  The promise of seeing one of our favorite native plants then seemed highly likely.

Today we returned to this woodland rock and were delighted to find open flowers.  Their visible structure is certainly unique.  John Burroughs described them as looking like a flock of tiny purple butterflies that had gathered on the forest floor.  In addition to the unusual appearance, these blossoms play no part in producing seed.  These are exclusively for beauty while another plain appearing flower, located just at or slightly below the forest floor, is responsible for setting seed.  Cleistogamous is the name assigned to this rather unusual method of reproduction.  Violets also reproduce in this manner.  In their case, I believe that the reproductive flowers appear much later than the beautiful blossoms.  Perhaps we will look for Polygala seeds later in the year.

Many Mother's Days have been spent searching for this plant.  Its flower is certainly different looking but I had never previously seen the beak protruding in the direction of the spiked sphere.  

 

This plant is located on the other side of the lane leading up to the field that is totally separate from the rest of the original farm.  We were pleased to find additional plants growing nearby as this is a rare native plant and we do not want to see it disappear.