Veronica serpyllifolia L., morph (Finland, Lohja, Lieviö 1988).
– Image: Harri Harmaja (scanned from dried specimen).
–
This plant differs from typical V. serpyllifolia s. str. (Scrophulariaceae) in
that (i) distinct branches, mainly as sterile superficial stolons, are present (vs.
lacking or very short), (ii) the
leaves of the branches and the stolons are distinctly petiolate, (iii) the shape of
the leaves of the branches and the stolons is orbicular to very broadly ovate,
(iv) the leaves are slightly thinner, and (v) the veins of the
underside of the leaves are somewhat more distinct. Also the sepals and seeds may
display some deviation (see below). I have found plants of more or less
this kind in a few places in southern Finland, often in brooksides in natural or
somewhat human-influenced habitats. In the summer of 2004, I found
– to my astonishment
– that this taxon thrives well in half-shady places in the Botanical
Garden of the University of Helsinki! The typical morphotype dwells there as
well but is scanty.
It is possible that
the old, practically forgotten name V. rotundifolia Lucé (non V.
rotundifolia Ruiz & Pav. nec V. rotundifolia Sessé & Moc.)
was given to this kind of plant. The first-mentioned name, based on Estonian material, is currently
considered as a synonym of V. serpyllifolia; however, it is not sure
whether Lucé actually intended to describe a new species.
V. serpyllifolia s. str. (V. humifusa Dicks.
excluded) displays variability in some other features, too: the bract length,
the position of the bracts and the sepals at the fruiting stage (whether
ascending or somewhat patent), the amount of glandular hairs towards stem apex,
in upper peduncles and at calyx base (small in any case), the seed size, and whether the upper parts
of the plant remain green or darken when dried to a herbarium specimen.
Created March 31, 2004. Latest revision July 21, 2006.