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Small Venus' looking-glass

Triodanis biflora

Small Venus' looking-glass
Photo: Alan Rockefeller, CC BY-SA 4.0
Family
Campanulaceae (Campanul family)
Grows as
Annual

About

Triodanis biflora, also known as the Small Venus' Looking-Glass, is a species of flowering plant in the Campanulaceae family, or bellflower family, and is in the genus Triodanis. Its common name was given because it is similar to the European plant, Legousia speculum that has seeds with a shiny appearance resembling looking glass. This species is native to America and is a small, solitary wildflower with purple bell-shaped petals and an alternate leaf arrangement. It can be found in a diverse range of habitats, especially in disturbed areas across the U.S. and into South America, and it has an annual life cycle where it flowers from May to June. This species primarily relies on selfing due to its floral system; however, pollination by various insects can occur.

Where it grows

Triodanis biflora can occupy a broad subset of environments; however, it is mainly found in southern regions. Within the United States, its most common habitats include Eastern Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas, Oregon, and the south central peninsula of Florida. While these are common locations to find this species, it can be found in many other states in the U.S and at higher elevations. This flower can also be found in some parts of Mexico and South America due to their preference for southern geographies and warmer climates.

Other Triodanis plants

Slimpod Venus' looking-glass · Clasping Venus' looking-glass · Venus' looking-glass

Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Triodanis biflora by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.

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