Lax Hornpod
Mitreola petiolata
(Click on image to enlarge.)
(Click on image to enlarge.)
(Click on image to enlarge.)
| We have two members of the Hornpod genus in the Mobile area. Lax Hornpod, like Swamp Hornpod, is a small plant, about a foot high, with very small flowers. The leaves of Lax Hornpod are longer than those of Swamp Hornpod, and have petioles, or stems, while the leaves of Swamp Hornpod clasp the stem of the plant. The scientific names of the two species: petiolata and sessilifolia refer to this. In the last photo note the horn shaped pods which give the genus its name. Hornpod is a member of the Logania family. These plants were photographed near Deer River Road, in South Mobile County, Alabama, in mid August. |