EXTINCT FLOWER
Orbexilum stipulatum

ORIGIN
Endemic to Rock Island in the Falls of the Ohio, the shallowest part of Kentucky’s portion of the Ohio River, which was historically used for the American buffalo migration.

PLANT RELATIVES
A true botanical enigma, it was initially classified as belonging to the Desmodium family; however, further research has shown otherwise, prompting ongoing study and challenges with classification.

EXTINCTION
Last recorded in 1881, its extinction is linked to the eradication of the American buffalo, while others contribute it to flooding caused by the creation of US Dam 41.