Arenaria ursina

Arenaria ursina is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae known by the common name Bear Valley sandwort.

Arenaria ursina
With a bee fly

Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Arenaria
Species:
A. ursina
Binomial name
Arenaria ursina

Distribution

It is endemic to San Bernardino County, California, where it is known from a few occurrences in the vicinity of Big Bear. It grows on quartzite pebble plain habitat in forest openings in the San Bernardino Mountains near the communities of Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, and Baldwin Lake.[1] It is an indicator species for the rare pebble plain habitat, which is unique to the area.[2] It is a federally listed threatened species.

Description

Arenaria ursina is a petite perennial herb forming small tufts no more than 18 centimeters tall. Its small, waxy leaves are needlelike and up to a centimeter long. The inflorescence is an open cyme of white flowers with five petals each under half a centimeter long and protruding purple-anthered stamens. The fruit is a toothed capsule containing 1 or 2 minute purple seeds.

Threats

The biggest threat to the survival of this species is off-roading.[1] Other threats include destruction of its habitat for development, mining activity, and disturbance of the landscape during fire suppression efforts.

References
  1. USFWS. Bear Valley Sandwort (Arenaria ursina): 5-Year Review - Summary and Evaluation. March 2008.
  2. Beattie, M. H. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered or Threatened Status for Seven Plants From the Mountains of Southern California. US Fish & Wildlife Service. August 2, 1995.


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