Diapensia

 


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Diapensia, Diapensia lapponica L.
Diapensiaeae

Height: A tufted evergreen sub-shrub forming firm rounded clumps 2.5-8 cm high. Stems are covered by sheathing leaf bases.

Leaves: Mostly opposite, strongly ascending, overlapping, and persistent on the stem. They are narrow and spatula shaped, 1-2 cm long bad curving downwards at the tips.

Flowers: Solitary on stiff stalks, and bell-shaped with 5 rounded, spreading lobes, and 1-1.5 cm across. There are 5 yellow stamens. There are 2 blooming periods—June and late July to mid-August.

Fruit: Dry capsules enclosed by a persistent calyx and containing a few large seeds.

Habitat: Found in alpine habitats—wind-swept barrens, headlands, cliffs, and mountain-tops, throughout most of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Source: Native Trees and Shrubs
of Newfoundland and Labrador
By A. Glen Ryan

Used with permission from
Parks and Natural Areas Division
Department of Environment and Conservation
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 1995

 

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