Bartonia

Bartonia is a genus of flowering plants in the gentian family, Gentianaceae. These plants are native to North America, primarily found in eastern and central parts of the United States and Canada.

Bartonia species are generally annual herbs, characterized by their slender, often thread-like stems and small, scale-like leaves. Many species are myco-heterotrophic, meaning they obtain their nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with fungi, rather than through photosynthesis. This lack of chlorophyll gives them a pale or yellowish appearance.

The flowers of Bartonia are typically small and white, with four petals. They are often inconspicuous and can be easily overlooked. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Some of the more commonly recognized species include:

• Bartonia virginica (Virginia Bartonia)
• Bartonia paniculata (Panicled Bartonia)
• Bartonia verna (Spring Bartonia)

The genus is named in honor of Benjamin Smith Barton (1766-1815), an American botanist, physician, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania.