Three-nerved sandwort (Moehringia
trinervia) grows in woodland clearings, particularly in nitrate-rich soils. It
is found throughout Great Britain, but less commonly in Scotland and Ireland.
It gets its name from the three veins (or
nerves) that can be seen on the underside of each leaf. The plant has trailing
stems and upright flowering shoots, which can reach as high as 16 inches (40
centimetres) above the ground.
The flowers, which appear from May to July,
are white and star-shaped. The five petals are noticeably shorter than the
sepals. The seeds produce an oil that is attractive to ants, which are
therefore important in helping seed dispersal.
© John Welford
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