Saxifraga rivularis

{{Short description|Species of saxifrage}}

{{Speciesbox

| image = Saxifraga Rivularis.jpg

| genus = Saxifraga

| species = rivularis

| authority = L.

| synonyms = Saxifraga debilis

}}

Saxifraga rivularis is a species of saxifrage known by several common names, including highland saxifrage,{{BSBI 2007 |access-date=2014-10-17 }} weak saxifrage,{{PLANTS|id=SARI8|taxon=Saxifraga rivularis|access-date=1 February 2016}} alpine brook saxifrage, and pygmy saxifrage.

Distribution

Saxifraga rivularis is native to the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, where it has a circumpolar distribution, occurring throughout the Arctic and into the alpine climates of mountainous temperate areas, such as the Sierra Nevada in California. It also occurs in the Highlands of Scotland, from which it takes its name, however it is very rare in this area.Streeter et al. (2009), Collins Flower Guide, London, pp.238. It can be found in moist and wet, rocky habitat, in substrates rich in nitrogen and organic material, such as bird rocks and mossy peat flats.{{Cite web |url=https://www.mun.ca/biology/delta/arcticf/_ca/www/sxsxri.htm |title=Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago |access-date=2017-09-11 |archive-date=2007-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217195634/http://www.mun.ca/biology/delta/arcticf/_ca/www/sxsxri.htm |url-status=live }}

Description

Saxifraga rivularis is a small perennial herb growing not much more than 12 centimeters in maximum height. It has small, lobed leaves at the base and along the stem. Basal leaves are between 5-20mm in length, and petioles are substantially longer than the blade.Streeter et al. (2009) Collins Flower Guide. London, pp.238 The inflorescence arises on a hairy, erect peduncle bearing white-petaled flowers and reproductive bulbils.

References

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