PARTRIDGEBERRY 



Mitchella repens Linnaeus 



Partridgeberry grows in either dry or moist, partially shaded situa- 

 tions, forming deep green mats which creep closely over the ground. 

 The leaves continue green throughout the winter. The sweet-scented 

 flowers are often hidden beneath dry leaves strewn over the soil. 

 They remind us of the blossoms of trailing-arbutus, though they al- 

 ways grow in pairs and not in clusters, like the flowers of that plant. 

 The twin fruits frequently remain on the plant until spring, as in the 

 specimen sketched. Grouse and quail are very fond of the bright red 

 berries, which to our taste are insipid. This plant belongs to the Mad- 

 der Family. It is easily cultivated in acid soil. The genus Mitchella 

 was named in honor of Dr. John Mitchell, one of the earliest bota- 

 nists of eastern Virginia, and a correspondent of Linnaeus. 



Partridgeberry is found from Florida to Texas, and northward to 

 Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Minnesota. It occurs also in the mountains 

 of southern Mexico. 



Our specimen was collected near Beaufort, South Carolina. 



PLATE 2.O7 



