Stenaria (Syn. Hedyotis) nigricans
Family: Rubiaceae
Description: Perennial with erect to spreading stems up to 40 cm long. Leaves opposite; blades linear to lanceolate 1-4 cm long, narrow. Flowers cymose, the corolla 5-9 mm wide, white to lavender or light violet. Inflorescences with up to 15 flowers and leaflike bracts. Inferior ovary.
Field Identification: Flowers resemble those of polly prim, which grows lower to the ground and has superior ovary.
Plant Trivia: Stenaria was first recognized as a genus in 2001.
Occurrence: Frequent on well-drained calcareous soil and on beach shell. Native to the United States, Mexico and the Bahamas.
Bloom Period: Apr-Nov
Plant Use: Nectar source for small insects; larvae food for some butterflies.
Dichotomous Key: This is the only species of Stenaria in the Texas Coastal Bend.
