Trich Kruza (Class of 2015) spotted this solo Florida scrub roseling (Callisia ornata) growing at the south Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA). Also known as pink spiderwort, this plant is endemic to scrubby habitats in peninsular Florida.
This spring-summer annual grows forth from long, grasslike leaves that form a sheath at their base and is show below growing with young sand live oak (Quercus geminata), narrowleaf silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), saw greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox), and other plants …
The species name, Callisia, comes from the Greek word for beauty (kalos), and its species name, ornata, means ornate. Its beautiful pink flowers are smaller than a dime, have 3 petals, 6 stamens, and bright yellow anthers …
One flower opens each morning and fades as the day progresses …
Florida scrub roseling is a member of the dayflower family, Commelinaceae, as is the far more common blue-flowered perennial spiderwort (Tradascentia ohiensis) …
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 