Wonderful Pink Colour Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory Flower

jarintasmin (75)in #photography • 2 months ago

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-glory: A Hidden Gem of the Wildflower World
Introduction
The Shaggy Dwarf Morning-glory, scientifically known as Evolvulus nuttallianus, is a captivating and resilient wildflower that often goes unnoticed in its natural habitat. Despite its small size and unassuming appearance, this plant has a unique charm and several interesting characteristics that make it worth exploring. Found primarily in the central and southern United States, this perennial herb is a member of the Convolvulaceae family, which also includes the more famous morning glories.
Botanical Description
The Shaggy Dwarf Morning-glory is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 4 to 8 inches. Its stems are densely covered with fine, white hairs, giving it a "shaggy" appearance that distinguishes it from other species in the genus Evolvulus. The leaves are small, oblong to lanceolate, and also covered in fine hairs, which help reduce water loss by reflecting sunlight and trapping moisture.
The flowers are one of the most striking features of this plant. They are small, usually about half an inch in diameter, and are typically a vibrant shade of blue, though they can occasionally be pink or white. Each flower has a funnel-shaped corolla with five lobes, and they open in the morning and close by the afternoon, a characteristic behavior of many morning-glory species.
Habitat and Distribution
Evolvulus nuttallianus thrives in dry, open areas with well-drained soils. It is commonly found in prairies, rocky slopes, sandy soils, and roadsides. The plant is adapted to survive in harsh conditions, making it a common sight in regions that experience frequent droughts and high temperatures.
The Shaggy Dwarf Morning-glory is native to the central and southern United States, with its range extending from Texas and Oklahoma to as far north as Kansas and Missouri, and eastward to Alabama and Georgia. Its ability to grow in a variety of soil types and conditions has allowed it to spread widely across these regions.
Ecological Importance
Despite its modest size, the Shaggy Dwarf Morning-glory plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It serves as a nectar source for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. The plant's flowers are particularly attractive to native bee species, which play a crucial role in the pollination of many wildflowers and agricultural crops.