Family: Colchicaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 342 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Colchicum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Iberian Pen. to S. Pyrenees
Description
Merendera (Colchicum montanum)
Merendera, scientifically known as Colchicum montanum, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the Colchicaceae family. This perennial herb finds its native habitat stretching across the Iberian Peninsula to the southern Pyrenees, showcasing a vital part of the flora in these regions.
First described in 1753 in the bibliography “Species Plantarum” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as L., Merendera stands out with its delicate yet robust presence in the botanical world. Linnaeus’s early documentation highlights its significance and distinct characteristics, which have captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.
Merendera thrives in mountainous and hilly terrains, often gracing the landscape with its elegant flowers. This plant blooms predominantly in autumn, forming clusters of flowers that can brighten up the rugged plains and moist valleys of its native range. The flowers of Merendera are typically soft-hued, often pink or violet, making them a gentle but striking addition to the natural scenery.
An intriguing facet of Colchicum montanum is its adaptive nature to the environmental conditions of the Iberian Peninsula and the Pyrenees. These regions’ specific climate and soil conditions offer an ideal growing environment, contributing to the plant’s resilience and beauty.
Despite its beauty, it’s worth noting that plants in the Colchicaceae family, including Colchicum montanum, contain potent alkaloids such as colchicine. These compounds have significant pharmacological properties but can be toxic if ingested improperly. Therefore, while admired for its splendor and studied for its chemical properties, caution is advised in its handling.
In summary, Merendera is not only a botanical gem native to some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes but also a subject of scientific and medicinal interest. Its historical botanical recognition and ongoing presence in its natural habitat make it a fascinating subject for further exploration and admiration.
Common Names
En: Merendera
Ca: Còlquic dels Pirineus
Fr: Colchique des Pyrénées, Mérendéra des Pyrénées, Mérendère des Pyrénées
Synonyms
- Merendera bulbocodium var. bulbocodioides ((Brot.) Baker)
- Colchicum pyrenaicum (Pourr.)
- Merendera montana var. gredensis ((Caball.) Rivas Mart.)
- Bulbocodium pyrenaicum ((Pourr.) Samp.)
- Bulbocodium colchicoides (Nyman)
- Merendera pyrenaica ((Pourr.) P.Fourn.)
- Bulbocodium lusitanicum (Heynh.)
- Bulbocodium broteri (Welw. ex Baker)
- Merendera montana ((L.) Lange)
- Merendera gredensis (Caball.)
- Colchicum hexapetalum (Pourr. ex Lapeyr.)
- Merendera bulbocodium f. alba (Q.J.P.Silva)
- Merendera bulbocodioides (Willd.)
- Merendera bulbocodium (Ramond)
- Merendera montana var. bulbocodioides ((Brot.) Lange)
- Geophila pyrenaica (Bergeret)
- Merendera montana subsp. bulbocodioides ((Brot.) K.Richt.)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2018 by Víctor Huete (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Lemke Mathias (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Chelis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by González Barri Xavi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2018 by Damián Gómez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Concepcion Matinero (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by chester (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Concha Tormo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2019 by curritodelacroix (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Alain rivière (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Chelis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2019 by Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Besson Thitsana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by chester (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Ampudia (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2739671)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:533341-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Colchicum montanum L.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘aug’, ‘sep’]