Linnaea

Moosglöckchen ( Linnaea borealis)

The Moosglöckchen or Erdglöckchen ( Linnaea borealis ) is the only species of the genus Linnaea in the family of Honeysuckle ( Caprifoliaceae ). All other species were formerly placed in this genus are now included in the genus Abelia.

Was named the genus in 1737 by the Swedish botanist and taxonomist Carl Linnaeus, whose favorite she was. Linnaeus asked his rich friend and patron January Frederik Gronovius to this naming, because he did not want to name it after himself this way. The Artepithet borealis, the Linnaeus in 1753 added to the species description, means " coming from the north ".

Features

When Moosglöckchen is an evergreen, creeping shrub that reaches heights of growth of about 20 centimeters. From the age of five to 15 years, extending above ground stolons are formed. With the stolons there is a vegetative propagation and it is found in nature stocks represent the clones are genetically identical. From the stolons sprout new branches. The branches only get diameter of about 3 mm. The against-constant leaves are very small and round, at the edge, they are slightly notched. They have a slightly hairy petiole. After about 12 to 16 months, the leaves are dropped.

The flowers are usually in two numbers (hence the English name ' Twin Flower' ) on an upright inflorescence stems. The flowers are nodding, so with the corolla lobes pointing downward. Characteristic her is reminiscent of vanilla, almonds or anise strong fragrance. The flower is surrounded by four calyx -like bracts. The five petals are pale pink bell-shaped fused with five corolla lobes. There are four stamens present. It has a glandular- hairy ovary. In order to attract insects, nectar is produced. It is formed a single-seeded berry, which requires about 36 days from fertilization to maturity.

Distribution and habitat

The Moosglöckchen inhabits the boreal forests of cool temperate Holarctic, is thus to be found in the northern areas and the high mountains of Europe, Asia and North America. In Central Europe it is very rare in coniferous forests with sufficient moss layer.

There are three subspecies:

• Linnaea borealis subsp. borealis in Europe
• Linnaea borealis subsp. americana (J. Forbes) Rehder in North America
• Linnaea borealis subsp. longiflora ( Torr. ) Hultén in Asia

Linnaea borealis is specifically protected by Federal Species Protection Ordinance.

This and That

The plant is called Landskapsblomma ( "Landscape Flower" ) of Småland in Sweden. In this province Carl Linnaeus was born and grew up.

Linnaea is considered the source of the name for the creation widespread in Sweden since the early 19th century female name Linnea.

Swell

• Comprehensive Overview of types (English )
• Emil Giger: Linnaea borealis L., a monographic study, Zurich 1912 (PDF).