Family: Lamiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 596 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Horminum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Pyrenees to Spain (Cord. Cantabrica), Alps
Description
Dragonmouth, scientifically known as Horminum pyrenaicum, is a fascinating and vibrant plant predominantly found in the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees extending through to the Cantabrian Cordillera in Spain and also gracing the Alpine ranges. The existence of this plant was first recorded in the renowned work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the celebrated botanist Carl Linnaeus, indicating its long-standing recognition within the botanical community.
A member of the Lamiaceae family, Dragonmouth is distinguished by its striking floral display and architectural foliage. This family is well-known for its aromatic herbs, an array of beautiful flowers, and significant horticultural value. Horminum pyrenaicum is no exception; its flowers are particularly notable for their deep, rich hues and the distinct shape that arguably inspires its common name.
Typically, Dragonmouth thrives in rocky, well-drained soils of alpine and subalpine climates, highlighting its adaptability to harsher, cooler environments. It often becomes a vibrant part of the natural scenery, providing splashes of vivid color across mountainous landscapes during its blooming season.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Horminum pyrenaicum holds interest for both amateur botanists and seasoned horticulturists alike. Its unique adaptations and resilience make it a subject of study in plant ecology and evolutionary biology. This species also serves as an intriguing specimen for garden enthusiasts who seek to cultivate a piece of alpine biodiversity in their own backyard.
In summary, Dragonmouth (Horminum pyrenaicum) is not only a botanical gem renowned since the 18th century but also an enduring symbol of the rich, floristic diversity found in Europe’s tallest and most majestic ranges. Its storied history, striking beauty, and ecological significance continue to captivate and inspire botanical interest and admiration worldwide.
Common Names
Deu: pyrenäen-drachenmaul
En: Dragonmouth
Fi: Horminia
Fr: Hormin des Pyrénées, Horminelle
De: Pyrenäen-Drachenmaul
It: Ormino
Synonyms
- Pasina pyrenaea ((L.) Bubani)
- Thymus horminum (E.H.L.Krause)
- Melissa pyrenaica ((L.) Scop.)
- Horminum pyrenaicum f. minus (Bolzon)
- Horminum pyrenaicum f. majus (Bolzon)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Italy (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Hannah Hannah (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2020 by hieracium eriophorum (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2011 by Lennart Agestam (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Elisabetta Mirone (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2019 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Javier Gomez Gude (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Birgit Rosi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2019 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 10, 1989 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 1989 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 18, 2020 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 2, 2021 by S. S. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
© 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.
Other
Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5605805)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:447877-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Horminum pyrenaicum L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 9.0
Ph minimum: 8.0
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 2