Synandra is a monotypic genus^[1] of flowering plants in the mint family containing the single species Synandra hispidula, which is known by the common name Guyandotte beauty. It is native to the east-central United States from Illinois to South Carolina.^[2][3]

This species has been reported to be an annual, biennial, or perennial herb, but studies show that it is a "strict biennial", at least in Kentucky.^[4] It has oppositely arranged leaves with serrated edges. The large yellow and white or pinkish^[5] flowers bloom in April through June.^[2] The flowers are over 2 centimeters long and may reach 4 centimeters.^[5]

This plant grows in shady, moist forest habitat, such as streambanks.^[2] It is a member of the plant association including Acer (A. nigrum, A. saccharum), Tilia americana, Asimina triloba, Jeffersonia diphylla, and Caulophyllum thalictroides.^[5] The plant's common name comes from the Guyandotte River of West Virginia.^[5]

Though it is considered "secure" as a species, this plant has declined recently. It is now considered historic in North Carolina and it is listed as an endangered species in Illinois and critically imperiled in Alabama. It is more common in other states, such as Indiana. Its distribution in general is described as "scattered".^[5]

Threats to the species include habitat destruction and fragmentation, logging and other mechanisms that eliminate the shady canopy, overgrazing, trampling, recreational activity, and pollution. It is also threatened by introduced species of plants such as Lonicera japonica, Dioscorea oppositifolia and Microstegium vimineum.^[5]

References