Wandflower

Galax urceolata

''Galax'' is a genus in the flowering plant family Diapensiaceae, containing a single species, ''Galax urceolata'' . It is native to the southeastern United States from Massachusetts and New York south to northern Alabama, growing mainly in the Appalachian Mountains at altitudes of up to 1,500 m, where it grows in shaded places in forests.
Wandflower (Galax urceolata) Growing on a woodland trail. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/114281/wandflower_galax_urceolata.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/114279/wandflower_galax_urceolata.html https://www.jungledragon.com/image/114280/wandflower_galax_urceolata.html Galax urceolata,Geotagged,Spring,United States,Wandplant

Appearance

It is an evergreen herbaceous perennial plant growing to 30–45 cm tall, with a rosette of leathery leaves which grow only at the base of the plant, and turn brown during winter.

The leaves are a rounded cardioid shape, 2.5–7.5 cm diameter, rarely up to 15 cm, with a serrated margin with rounded "teeth". The flowers are produced in late spring to early summer, white in color and on a single spike-like raceme 15–25 cm long on top of a 20–50 cm tall stem. Each individual flower has five petals, and is up to 4 mm or 0.15 inches in diameter. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous seeds.
Galax (Galax urceolata) On a forested trail near a lakeside. I missed these in bloom, so I will have to wait until next year! Galax urceolata,Geotagged,Summer,United States,Wandplant

Naming

The independent city of Galax, Virginia, is named after this plant.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderEricales
FamilyDiapensiaceae
GenusGalax
SpeciesG. urceolata
Photographed in
United States of America