Viola ocellata
| Viola ocellata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Violaceae |
| Genus: | Viola |
| Species: | V. ocellata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Viola ocellata | |
Viola ocellata (Torr. & A. Gray) is a species of violet known by the common names pinto violet,[2] two-eyed violet,[3] and western heart's ease.[4] It is native to southern Oregon and northern and central California, where it occurs in the coastal foothills and mountain ranges. It sometimes grows in serpentine soils[5] and in quicksilver mines.[6] Floral formula: X; K5; C5; G3 superior; 3-valved capsule.
Description
V. ocellata is a perennial herb that thrives in shaded woodland areas with moist, slightly acidic soil.[7] It is often found on rocky or grassy banks, thickets, and redwood or pine forests.[8] It is named for its characteristic two dark purple spots at the base of the two innermost petals, giving it the appearance of two eyes. It reproduces both by seeds and rhizomes, with new plants branching directly from the root system.
Morphology
V. ocellata is characterized by a height ranging from 2-37 centimeters, the entire plant ranging from glabrous to puberulent. The stems are erect to ascending, originating from a shallow to deep rhizome. The leaves are simple, cordate, and have a crenate to serrate edge, on petioles measuring 0.4-10cm. Its inflorescence is axillary, with a solitary flower on a peduncle of 1-10cm. The perianth is characterized by 5 lanceolate, ciliate sepals[8]; 5 petals that appear white from the front, fading to yellow in the center. The top two petals are dark purple on the reverse side. The bottom petal is basally veined with dark purple, and the two side (innermost) petals have the characteristic dark purple spots at the base. The fruits are 5-8mm round to ovoid shaped capsules, dehiscing directly into the three locules, which is typical for the Violaceae family. The seeds are round, brownish-purple in color and are roughly 2 millimeters in diameter. The rootstocks are fleshy, and often long and stolon-like.[8][9]
Ecology
This species is considered low-importance as a pollen and nectar source for bees, but moderately important as a food source for a number of butterfly species, including Speyeria egleis, and Speyeria adiaste, and Boloria epithore.[7][10]
Related Species
Viola ocellata is sister to two other species of violets, Viola fletti (Piper) and Viola cuneata (S. Watson). DNA evidence and Morphological similarities indicate a relatively recent divergence between the three species. All three species are native to the Western Coast of North America. They occupy slightly different habitats, explaining the subtle morphological divergence.[11]
References
- ^ NatureServe (6 December 2024). "Viola ocellata | NatureServe Explorer". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ^ "Oregon Flora Image Project". Retrieved May 21, 2018.
- ^ Theodore F. Niehaus; Charles L. Ripper (1976). A Field Guide to Pacific States Wildflowers: Washington, Oregon, California and adjacent areas. Peterson Field Guide. p. 52. ISBN 0-395-21624-9.
- ^ Linda H. Beidleman; Eugene N. Kozloff (2014) [2003]. Plants of the San Francisco Bay Region: Mendocino to Monterey. University of California Press. p. 314. ISBN 978-0-520-27859-2.
- ^ Arthur R. Kruckeberg (1984). California Serpentines: Flora, Vegetation, Geology, Soils, and Management Problems. Vol. 78. University of California Press. p. 158. ISBN 0-520-09701-7. LCCN 83-18237.
- ^ Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practical and Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean (Report). Vol. 4. 1856. p. 68.
- ^ a b "Pinto Violet (Viola ocellata)". www.nativeplants.info. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
- ^ a b c "Viola ocellata". ucjeps.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
- ^ Bulletin - Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, issues 222-225. 1921. p. 141.
- ^ James A. Scott (1986). The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press. p. 320. ISBN 9780804720137.
- ^ McCreary, Cheryl S. (2005). Genetic Relationships, Morphological Divergence and Ecological Correlates in Three Species of the Viola canadensis Complex in Western North America (Thesis). Ohio University.
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