Epilobium fleischeri
| Epilobium fleischeri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Flowers of Epilobium fleischeri | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Onagraceae |
| Genus: | Epilobium |
| Species: | E. fleischeri |
| Binomial name | |
| Epilobium fleischeri Hochst. | |
Epilobium fleischeri, commonly known as Alpine Willowherb, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Onagraceae family.
Description
The biological form of Epilobium fleischeri is hemicryptophyte scapose,[1] as its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves. This plant reaches on average 10–40 centimetres (3.9–15.7 in) in height. The stem is erect and the leaves are usually glabrous and toothed.[1] This plant is quite similar to Epilobium dodonaei, but the last one can reach even a meter in height and has bristly leaves.[1]
Epilobium fleischeri has fragrant flowers with four pointed thin dark purple sepals and four bright pink ovate petals. Flowering occurs from late June to August.[1] Its powerful underground roots contains anthocyanin, a substance antifreeze, that allows this plant to survive in its inhospitable habitat.
Distribution
This plant is an endemism occurring in the Alps and the Jura, in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
Habitat
It grows in clusters on moraines, in glaciers, among piles of stones and in alluvial deposits. It prefers siliceous soils, at an altitude of 600–2,700 metres (2,000–8,900 ft) above sea level.[1]
Gallery
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Plants of Epilobium fleischeri
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Plant of Epilobium fleischeri
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Flowers of Epilobium fleischeri
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Close-up on flower of Epilobium fleischeri
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Leaves of Epilobium fleischeri
Synonyms
- Chamaenerion denticulatum Schur nom. illeg.
- Chamaenerion fleischeri (Hochst.) Fritsch
- Epilobium crassifolium Lehm.
- Epilobium denticulatum Wenderoth
- Epilobium dodonaei f. stenophyllum Haussknecht
- Epilobium dodonaei f. platyphyllum Haussknecht
- Epilobium dodonaei proles fleischeri (Hochst.) Rouy & E.G.Camus
- Epilobium dodonaei proles fleischeri var. platyphyllum (Hausskn.) Rouy & E.G.Camus
- Epilobium dodonaei proles fleischeri var. stenophyllum (Hausskn.) Rouy & E.G.Camus
- Epilobium dodonaei subsp. fleischeri (Hochst.) Schinz & Thell.
- Epilobium fleischeri Hochst.
- Epilobium rosmarinifolium subsp. fleischeri (Hochst.) Bonnier & Layens