Anagallis foemina

Blue pimpernel ( Anagallis foemina )

The Blue Pimpernel ( Anagallis foemina ) is a species of the genus pimpernel ( Anagallis ) in the subfamily Myrsinengewächse ( Myrsinoideae ) within the family of Primrose ( Primulaceae ).

Description

When Blue Pimpernel is an annual herbaceous plant that reaches the plant height usually only 3 to 5 cm. The prostrate to ascending stems reach lengths of about 5 to 25 cm.

The most decussate, rarely in threes quirky, stems arranged leaves are dark green and oblong- ovoid shape.

The flowers sit individually in the leaf axils and have stems that are as long as or only slightly longer than the flowers themselves. The crown is wide up to 14 mm, is colored blue on the upper side and lower side purple. The petals are fringed with small teeth on the edge and provided with five to 10, rarely, up to 15 most four-cell glandular hairs. The sepals are very finely serrated on the edge. The Blue Pimpernel predominantly flowers in the months of June to September.

The 10 to 20 mm long fruit stems bear a fruit capsule, which usually contains 15-16 seeds.

Occurrence

The Blue Pimpernel comes from the Mediterranean prior to Asia Minor. Furthermore, it is found over central and northern Europe to North and East Asia. Outside of the Eurasian continent it is used in Central America, southern Brazil and Western Australia.

In Germany the species is found only in the central and southwestern area frequently. In addition, it is very rare or absent.

In Austria and Switzerland, the Blue Pimpernel is absent-minded until rare.

Anagallis foemina growing in cereal weeds companies in gardens and rubble containing spaces. He prefers more or less dry, warm, nutrient - and lime-rich, mostly loamy soils.

Similar Species

The Blue Pimpernel can easily ( Anagallis arvensis) to be confused with the blue- flowered form of the arable Gauch salvation. This color variant has, in contrast to the blue pimpernel petals, which are not strongly frayed at the edge, and has numerous (50 to 70) glands.