Family: Geraniaceae
Author: (L.) Willd.
Bibliography: Phytographia 1: 10 (1794)
Year: 1794
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Erodium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Eritrea
Description
Three-lobed stork’s-bill, scientifically known as Erodium chium, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Geraniaceae family. This unique plant has been the subject of botanical interest and study since it was first documented in 1794 in “Phytographia” by Willdenow.
Erodium chium is characterized by its distinctive, lobed leaves and delicate flowers, which add a quaint charm to its overall appearance. The plant’s name, three-lobed stork’s-bill, originates from the shape of its seed pods, which resemble the bill of a stork and are divided into three prominent lobes. These seed pods are not just a key identifying feature but also play a role in the plant’s seed dispersal mechanism, which is quite efficient in spreading the species across its native and introduced ranges.
This species is indigenous to the Macaronesia region and stretches from the Mediterranean to Eritrea, making it a versatile plant that thrives in a variety of climates and soil conditions. Its widespread native range highlights its adaptability and resilience in diverse environmental conditions.
In its natural habitat, Erodium chium typically blooms in spring, displaying small, yet vibrant flowers that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract various pollinators. The plant’s ability to attract these pollinators is vital for its reproduction and the continuation of its species.
Due to its interesting morphology and the regions it inhabits, three-lobed stork’s-bill (Erodium chium) has piqued the curiosity of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, making it a plant well worth studying and appreciating in the field of botany.
Common Names
Spa: alfilerillo comun
Deu: chios-reiherschnabel
Dan: kirtelfrugtet hejrenæb
Eng: three-lobed stork’s-bill, three-lobed stalk’s-bill
Swe: lobnäva
Cym: pig-y-crëyr dair llabed
En: Three-lobed Stork’s-bill, Three-Lobed Stalk’s-Bill
Da: Kirtelfrugtet hejrenæb
De: Chios-Reiherschnabel
Es: Alfilerillo comun
Sv: Lobnäva
Cy: Pig-y-Crëyr Dair Llabed
Synonyms
- Geranium chium (L.)
- Erodium chium var. catalaunicum (Sennen & Pau)
- Erodium chium subvar. platyphyllum ((Rouy) Rouy)
- Erodium ribifolium (Jacq.)
- Erodium chium subvar. microphyllum ((Rouy) Rouy)
- Erodium chium subsp. murcicum ((Cav.) Sennen)
- Erodium chium subsp. cuneatum ((Viv.) Nyman)
- Erodium chium f. murcicum ((Cav.) Paol.)
- Erodium chium f. macrophyllum (Pau)
- Geranium murcicum (Cav.)
- Erodium narbonense (Delile)
- Erodium chium var. murcicum ((Cav.) Rouy)
- Erodium littoreum var. murcicum ((Cav.) P.Fourn.)
- Erodium chium subsp. littoreum ((Léman ex DC.) Ball)
- Erodium murcicum ((Cav.) Willd.)
- Erodium malacoides subsp. chium ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
- Erodium malacoides var. chium ((L.) L’Hér.)
- Erodium chium var. typicum (Paol.)
- Erodium littoreum var. multiflorum (Willk.)
- Erodium littoreum var. platyphyllum (Rouy)
- Erodium malacoides var. ribifolium ((Jacq.) DC.)
- Erodium littoreum var. microphyllum (Rouy)
- Erodium gruinum var. cuneatum ((Viv.) Steud.)
- Erodium gruinum f. cuneatum ((Viv.) Parl.)
- Erodium chium var. renifolium (Brumh.)
- Erodium cuneatum (Viv.)
- Erodium chium var. albiflorum (P.Palau)
- Erodium chium var. cuneatum ((Viv.) Parl.)
- Erodium chium var. longepetiolatum (Sennen)
- Erodium chium var. macrophyllum (Pérez Lara)
- Geranium litoreum (Poir.)
- Erodium longerostratum (Sennen)
- Erodium litoreum (Badarò)
- Erodium littoreum (Léman)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Libya (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 1, 1981 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 1, 1981 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3828217)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:372210-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erodium chium (Burm.f.) Willd.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]