Family: Apiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 236 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bupleurum
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. & E. Alps
Description
Description and Habitat of Rock Hare’s-ear
The Rock Hare’s-ear, scientifically known as Bupleurum petraeum, is a notable species within the Apiaceae family. It was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753. This perennial herbaceous plant is indigenous to the southern and eastern regions of the Alps, a vast and diverse mountain range in Europe.
Morphological Characteristics
Bupleurum petraeum is characterized by its slender, upright stems and distinctive foliage. The leaves of this plant are lanceolate to oblanceolate, often showcasing a vibrant green color that can sometimes have a bluish tinge. The edges of the leaves are smooth, contributing to the plant’s delicate yet robust appearance. One of the most striking features of the Rock Hare’s-ear is its flower structure. The flowers are arranged in umbels, a trademark of the Apiaceae family, with small, yellowish-green petals that can attract various pollinators.
Ecological Significance
Thriving in the specific conditions of alpine regions, Bupleurum petraeum has adapted to survive in rocky, well-drained soils typically found at higher elevations. These plants contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of their native habitats. Due to their resilience and adaptability, they play a role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for alpine insects and other small organisms.
Cultural and Botanical Interest
Bupleurum petraeum is of great interest not only to botanists and ecologists but also to gardeners and plant enthusiasts, especially those specializing in alpine or rock garden cultivation. Its distinctive appearance and adaptation to high-altitude environments make it a prized addition to specialized horticultural collections. Additionally, the plant holds potential for further research into its ecological roles and possible medicinal properties, as many species within the Apiaceae family are known for their health benefits.
Conservation
While not currently listed as endangered, the Rock Hare’s-ear requires monitoring due to its limited and specific habitat requirements. Conservation efforts in the alpine regions ensure that habitats remain unspoiled, promoting the survival of this and other native species. Understanding the ecological needs and responses of Bupleurum petraeum to climate change is crucial for its continued existence.
In conclusion, the Rock Hare’s-ear, with its unique botanical characteristics and ecological importance, represents a valuable component of the alpine flora. Its continued study and conservation are essential for maintaining the biodiversity and natural beauty of the alpine ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: rock hare’s-ear
En: Rock Hare’s-ear
Fr: Buplèvre des pierriers, Buplèvre des rochers, Buplèvre sous-arbustif
De: Felsen-Hasenohr
It: Bupleuro delle rocce
: Rock hare’s-ear
Synonyms
- Bupleurum graminifolium (Vahl)
- Bupleurum petraeum f. globosum ((Briq.) H.Wolff)
- Bupleurum graminifolium var. bicalyculatum ((Bell.) DC.)
- Bupleurum incurvum (Bellardi)
- Bupleurum petraeum subvar. globosum (Briq.)
- Bupleurum petraeum f. dolichatum ((Briq.) H.Wolff)
- Bupleurum petraeum var. dolichatum ((Briq.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Bupleurum petraeum f. incurvum ((Bell.) H.Wolff)
- Bupleurum petraeum var. incurvum ((Bell.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Bupleurum petraeum subvar. incurvum ((Bell.) Briq.)
- Bupleurum petraeum var. glogosum ((Briq.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Bupleurum petraeum var. lonchophorum (Briq.)
- Bupleurum petraeum f. lonchophorum ((Briq.) H.Wolff)
- Bupleurum petraeum subvar. lonchophorum (Briq.)
- Bupleurum denticulatum (Bellardi ex Spreng.)
- Bupleurum petraeum var. dolichotum (Briq.)
- Bupleurum petraeum var. globosum (Briq.)
- Bupleurum graminifolium var. globosum ((Briq.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Bupleurum graminifolium var. lonchophorum ((Briq.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Bupleurum graminifolium var. dolichotum ((Briq.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Bupleurum baumgartenianum (Schur)
- Bupleurum bicalyculatum (Bellardi)
- Bupleurum petraeum subvar. dolichatum (Briq.)
- Isophyllum petraeum (Hoffm.)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 20, 2018 by Irène MARIETTE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 9, 2019 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8045299)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:839324-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bupleurum petraeum L.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]