Vicia ocalensis
| Vicia ocalensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Vicia |
| Species: | V. ocalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Vicia ocalensis Godfrey & Kral | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Vicia ocalensis, commonly known as Ocala vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to northern peninsular Florida in the southeastern United States.[3][4]
Description
Vicia ocalensis is a perennial herb in the genus Vicia. It produces pinnately compound leaves with a small number of leaflets and bears racemose inflorescences of papilionaceous flowers. The fruit is a legume. Within the southeastern United States, it is distinguished by its relatively large flowers (8–12 mm long), long leaflets (30–50 mm), and elongated legumes.[3]
Taxonomy
The species was described by R.K. Godfrey and R. Kral in 1958 in Rhodora (volume 60, page 256, figures 4–5).[5] It is recognized as a distinct species in modern floristic treatments.[3]
The type specimen was collected in Marion County, Florida, along Juniper Springs Creek in 1957.[4] Occurrence records are limited, with relatively few documented collections across its range.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Vicia ocalensis is narrowly endemic to central Florida, where it is known from Marion, Lake, and Volusia counties.[1][3] It occurs in wet habitats, including spring runs, stream margins, and marshy thickets on sandy peat soils.[1][3]
The species has a highly restricted range, with an estimated extent of occurrence of approximately 100–250 km2 and only a small number of known populations.[1]
Phenology
Flowering typically occurs in spring.[3]
Ecology
Vicia ocalensis is strongly associated with wetland environments and is classified as an obligate wetland species (OBL) in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, indicating that it almost always occurs in wetlands under natural conditions.[3] It grows in open, sunny wet thickets and marsh edges, often climbing on other vegetation such as sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense).[1]
Identification
Within the regional flora, Vicia ocalensis can be separated from closely related species by its combination of relatively large flowers (8–12 mm long), long and narrow leaflets (30–50 mm), and longer legumes. It differs from Vicia acutifolia and Vicia floridana, which have smaller flowers and shorter leaflets and legumes.[3]
Conservation
Vicia ocalensis has a NatureServe global conservation rank of G2, indicating that it is imperiled due to its restricted range and limited number of populations.[1] As of 2019, approximately seven populations are known, many occurring on protected federal lands such as the Ocala National Forest and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.[1]
The species appears relatively stable in the short term, but its very small range makes it vulnerable to environmental change. Potential threats include sea-level rise, hydrological alterations, and localized habitat disturbance.[1]
Despite these concerns, assessments by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have concluded that the species is not currently warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Vicia ocalensis". NatureServe Explorer. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Vicia ocalensis". GBIF. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Vicia ocalensis". Flora of the Southeastern United States. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Vicia ocalensis". Atlas of Florida Plants. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ↑ "Vicia ocalensis R.K.Godfrey & Kral". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 20 April 2026.