Trichostema gracile

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Trichostema gracile
Trichostema gracile flower.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Trichostema
Species:
T. gracile
Binomial name
Trichostema gracile
K.S.McClell.

Trichostema gracile, commonly known as Flatwoods Bluecurls, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is endemic to Florida in the southeastern United States. The species was described in 2023 as part of a taxonomic revision recognizing previously unrecognized diversity within North American members of the genus Trichostema . [1]

Contents

Taxonomy

Trichostema gracile was formally described by K.S. McClelland in 2023 in the journal Phytotaxa . The species was distinguished from closely related taxa based on morphological, ecological, and genetic characters evaluated during a revision of the genus focused on the North American Coastal Plain. [1] The name is currently accepted by major taxonomic authorities, including Plants of the World Online. [2]

Description

Trichostema gracile is an aromatic herbaceous plant with opposite leaves and square stems, typical of members of the mint family. Floral morphology conforms to the genus Trichostema, with bilaterally symmetrical flowers and exserted stamens. Diagnostic characters separating the species from related taxa include details of leaf size and shape, as well as features of the calyx and inflorescence, as outlined in the original description. [1]

Distribution and habitat

The species is endemic to Florida, where it occurs in mesic to scrubby flatwoods. [3] Its known distribution is restricted, reflecting both habitat specialization and recent taxonomic recognition. [2]

Conservation

Trichostema gracile is currently tracked by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). It has a state rank of S3S4 (Vulnerable or Apparently Secure) given by FNAI and a global rank of G3G4, rounded to G3 (Vulnerable), by NatureServe. [4] [5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 McClelland, K.S. (2023). "Seven new species of Trichostema (Lamiaceae: Ajugoideae) from the North American Coastal Plain biodiversity hotspot". Phytotaxa. 603: 95–149. doi:10.11646/phytotaxa.603.2.1.
  2. 1 2 "Trichostema gracile". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-01-03.
  3. ↑ "Trichostema gracile (Flatwoods Blue Curls) - FSUS". fsus.ncbg.unc.edu. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  4. ↑ "Rare Species and Communities We Track - Florida Natural Areas Inventory". www.fnai.org. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  5. ↑ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
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