Sabatia kennedyana


Sabatia kennedyana is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common name Plymouth rose gentian. It is native to eastern North America. It has a disjunct distribution, occurring in Nova Scotia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Distribution

Sabatia kennedyana grows in wetlands, particularly lakes and ponds on the Atlantic coastal plain. It grows in areas with fluctuating water levels and other forms of natural disturbance, such as ice scour, which eliminate competing vegetation. It is a poor competitor with other plants.

Description

Sabatia kennedyana is a perennial herb with stolons tipped with basal rosettes of leaves. The flower is pink with a white or yellow center. It may be 5 centimeters wide, with 9 to 11 petals.

Taxonomy

Sabatia kennedyana is considered by some authors as conspecific with Sabatia dodecandra.

Conservation

Sabatia kennedyana is threatened by shoreline development, recreational activity, off-road vehicles, construction of hydroelectric dams, pollution, and poaching.