PYXIE 



Pyxidanthera barbulata Michaux 



The thrill of finding pyxie in the early spring is equaled only by 

 the sensation of first discovering trailing-arbutus. This mosslike plant 

 is classed by botanists as an evergreen shrub, though in its creeping 

 habit it does not seem a shrub at all. It is one of the few American 

 representatives of theDiapensia Family, which is related to the heaths. 

 The flowers are sessile and pure white, and nestle among the leaves, 

 which are often dark red. It is sometimes grown in rock gardens, 

 planted in a mixture of acid peat and clear sand, and thrives in either 

 moist or dry situations. 



Pyxie is found in dry, sandy pine barrens from North Carolina to 

 southern New Jersey. 



The specimen sketched came from Whitesbog, New Jersey. 



PLATE 114 



