Bellflowers
What are they?
The Bellflowers are poorly represented in the Cape May area, with just two species known, but elsewhere in the world - particularly in Europe - this is a diverse and species-rich family. The group gets its name from the shape of the flowers, which are indeed bell-shaped or campanulate. In some species, the petals are entirely fused and the whole flower is somewhat tubular; in other species, the petals are only fused part way up from the base and the flower has a more open, star-shaped look.
Identification
The two Cape May species are rather different from each other and easily told apart by their flowers and leaves.
Clasping Venus's Looking-glass Triodanis perfoliata
A weedy or adventive plant, usually found along hedge bottoms and woodland edge after the ground has been disturbed. Flowers May to July. The rounded leaves that clasp the stem are rather distinctive and readily identify the plant.
| |
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
clasp stem |