Scientific name Minuartia Rank Genus | ||
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Lower classifications Minuartia rubella, Minuartia smejkalii, Minuartia obtusiloba, Minuartia douglasii, Minuartia nuttallii | ||
Teesdale sandwort minuartia stricta
Minuartia is a genus of flowering plants commonly known as "sandworts" in the carnation family Caryophyllaceae. They are characterised by opposite and decussate leaves, flowers with 5 petals and sepals, 10 stamens, 3(-4) styles, and capsules with 3(-4) valves.
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Minuartias are small annual or perennial plants which grow in otherwise inhospitable conditions such as on rocky ledges and in stony soil. They are found in arctic and alpine environments. The genus is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, being native in Asia, Europe and North America.
Many Minuartia species were formerly classed in the genus Arenaria, and the obsolete genus Alsine. Minuartia sedoides was previously placed in Cherleria.
The genus was named for J. Minuart (1693–1768), a Spanish botanist and pharmacist.
Minuartia how to pronounce it
Selected species
