Eryngium

Flat leaf holly ( Eryngium planum )

Holly ( Eryngium ), with about 230 species, the most species-rich genus of the carrot family ( Apiaceae ).

The genus name is holly from the use of field - holly ( Eryngium campestre ) arising as an aphrodisiac and love spells root.

Description

In total, there are mostly thistle -like plant with hard, spiny leaves. Although it partially is annual herbaceous plant, plant height of several meters, most species reach some species, however, only 50 to 100 cm.

Some species grow sparrig branches in a total of roundish form, dissolve at fruit maturity as a whole from the ground and can be rolled as tumbleweeds of wind on the ground. Here, then, the seeds are widely scattered.

It is a very diverse genus, which is why you can specify only a few universal features.

The stems of individual flowers are quite short, so that the simple umbels to little head shaped or rolled union inflorescences are drawn together. These are surrounded at the base by a sheath of most thorny, hard bracts. In many species, these bracts are crowded bluish. The flowers themselves are usually whitish or bluish. Some species whose flower color is bright amethyst, are as ornamental plants in culture.

Occurrence

The genus is found in all temperate and warm areas of the world. The greatest species diversity is achieved in Mexico, South Brazil and Argentina.

Species

In Europe, about 26 species occur (selection):

  • Alpine holly ( Eryngium alpinum L.), occurs only in the Alps, the Jura and in the former Yugoslavia, whether in the Carpathians, is questionable.
  • Amethyst - holly ( Eryngium amethystinum L.)
  • Spanish Sea Holly ( Eryngium bourgatii Gouan )
  • Field - holly ( Eryngium campestre L.)
  • Eryngium dichotomum Desf.
  • Eryngium dilatatum Lam., Occurs in Spain and Portugal.
  • Giant holly ( Eryngium giganteum M. Bieb. )
  • Beach thistle ( Eryngium maritimum L.)
  • Flat leaf holly ( Eryngium planum L.)
  • Eryngium spin alba Vill., Occurs only in the West Alps in France and Italy.
  • Eryngium ternatum Poir. , Is only found on Crete.
  • Atlas - holly ( Eryngium variifolium Coss. )

Pictures

Amethyst - holly ( Eryngium amethystinum )

Spanish Sea Holly ( Eryngium bourgatii )

Field - holly ( Eryngium campestre )

Giant holly ( Eryngium giganteum)

Beach thistle ( Eryngium maritimum )

Flat leaf holly ( Eryngium planum )

Atlas - holly ( Eryngium variifolium )

Asterids
315072
de