Obolaria

{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants}}

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|image = Obolaria.jpg

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|genus = Obolaria

|parent_authority = L.

|species = virginica

|authority = L.

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Obolaria is a genus of flowering plant in the gentian family Gentianaceae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Obolaria virginica, commonly known as Virginia pennywort.{{PLANTS|id=obvi|taxon=Obolaria virginica|accessdate=13 January 2017}}

It is native to the eastern United States,{{BONAP|ref|genus=Obolaria|species=virginica|accessdate=13 January 2017}} where it is found in nutrient-rich forests. It is believed to be mycoheterotrophic, getting much of its nutrients though a symbiotic relationship with fungi, instead of through its small purplish-green leaves.{{cite web |url=http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/flora.htm |title= Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States}}{{cite journal |last=Cameron |first=Duncan |last2=Bolin |first2=Jay |date=2010 |title=Isotopic evidence of partial mycoheterotrophy in the Gentianaceae: Bartonia virginica and Obolaria virginica as case studies |journal= American Journal of Botany |volume=97 |issue=8 |pages=1272–1277 |doi=10.3732/ajb.0900292 |pmid=21616879|doi-access=free }}

It is a perennial that produces white flowers in the spring. It is often difficult to locate due to its small stature, and tendency to be buried under leaf litter.[http://www.missouriplants.com/Whiteopp/Obolaria_virginica_page.html Missouri Plants]