Montiaceae

Montiaceae – Montia

Many in this newly established family were formerly found in the Portulaceae family until the APG III recently divided this group.[1] Including 14 genera with 230 species, members of the Montiaceae are primarily leaf-succulent herbaceous plants and shrubs found in a range of Pacific Northwest woodland, wetland, and riparian habitats.[2] Included here is Claytonia perfoliata (Miner’s Lettuce), which got its name by being used as an edible fresh green by 19th century Euro-American settlers and miners.[3] Easily recognized by two fused leaves wrapped around the stem to appear as a single circular structure from which the inflorescence perforates (thus the species name, perfoliata).[4]

Montia linearis – Narrowleaf MontiaMOLI.jpgSpecies Code:  MOLI

Growth Habit: Small, annual, herbaceous forb growing only 5 to 20 cm tall. Lopsided racemes of delicate, bell-shaped sepals hang from reddish stems with two sepals per calyx.

Leaves: Alternately arranged, linear, glaucous (almost succulent-like) leaves are 1½ to 5 cm long and usually only 1 mm wide.[5] 

Flowers: Tiny, terminal racemes are only 2 to 5 cm long, containing 5 to 12 flowers on each on a stalk. The flower’s distinguishable two sepals are 3 to 7 mm wide and oval shaped.[6] Five petals are somewhat unequal and range from white to pale pink. Flowers have three stamens.

Fruits: Montia linearis produces 3 to 4 mm long, 3-valved capsules. Seeds are smooth, black, shiny, and lens shaped.[7]

Ecology: Obligate Wetland Species (OBL), the only Montia in the Willamette Valley growing in standing water.[8]

Calandrinia ciliata – Red MaidsCACI.jpeg

 

 

 

[1] Simpson, M. Plant Systematics 2nd ed. Academic Press, Burlington, MA. 2010. 297.

[2] Simpson, M. Plant Systematics 2nd ed. Academic Press, Burlington, MA. 2010.

[3] Elpel, T. J., Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification. HOPS Press, 2004. 61

[4] Pojar, J., Mackinnon, A., Editors Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, Canada. 2004.133

[5] Guard, J. (1995). Wetland Plants of Oregon and Washington. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, Alberta. 104.

[6] Pojar, J., Mackinnon, A., Editors Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, Canada. 2004.132

[7] Pojar, J., Mackinnon, A., Editors Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, Canada. 2004.132

[8] City of Eugene, Seed Collection Maual, Montia linearis, 2009.