Showy Dawnflower (Stylisma abdita)
Morning Glory Family (Convolvulaceae)
Showy dawnflower is small, prostrate, herbaceous vine, reaching less than 1 foot long. The non-twining, densely hairy stems arise radially, trailing under to just above the substrate. The underground stems are pale and leafless. The leaves are narrow and densely hairy on both surfaces with silvery-gray or brown hairs. The solitary, white flowers are funnel-shaped. Flowers from April through November. The fruit is a light brown capsule, which is hairy at least toward tip. Found only in peninsular Florida, it occurs in scrub and sandhills in open sandy areas on bare sand and in leaf litter, lichens, grasses. It is sometimes hard to see in the leaf litter or lichens and may be partially covered by sand. Also known as hidden stylisma. Listed as endangered by the state of Florida.
Copyright Brett Miley
