Saxifraga nathorstii

Saxifraga nathorstii, or Nathorst's saxifrage, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Saxifragaceae. Saxifraga nathorstii is a putative allotetraploid hydrid between S. aizoides and S. oppositifolia, and morphologically intermediate, even in terms of pollen, between the parent species.
It is native and endemic to Greenland, with a limited distribution in Northeast Greenland.

Description

It is a somewhat densely tufted perennial with 3 – 6 cm high ascending stems. The singular sordid pink to fleshy coloured flowers are 8 – 15 mm wide, have 5 petals, which do not overlap, and 5 sepals 2 – 3 mm long.
Stems with alternate to opposite 4 – 9 mm long lance-shaped leaves with a pointed oval apex.

Distribution and habitat

Commonly found on moist sandy to gravelly soils, e.g. in riverbeds sand and gravel or desiccated ponds.
Distribution ranges from Danmarks Island to Jonsbu, Hochstetter Foreland.

Conservation status

Despite is its limited distribution range and endemic status it is not a threatened species. The Greenland red list 2018 assesses the species to be of Least concern, but a species of national responsibility due to it endemic status. S. nathorstii have not been assessed on the IUCN red list.