Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: Sm.
Bibliography: J.J.Dickson, Coll. Dried Pl. 3: t. 63 (1791)
Year: 1791
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Saxifraga
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. France to Italy, Sardegna, Sicilia
Description
The Limestone saxifrage, known by its scientific name Saxifraga callosa, is a notable member of the Saxifragaceae family. Revered for its distinctive beauty, this perennial plant holds a special place in both botanical studies and ornamental gardening.
Described by the botanist Smith, Saxifraga callosa was first brought to attention with the seminal work of J.J. Dickson in his collection of dried plants published in 1791. Dickson’s meticulous documentation provided a foundation for understanding the diverse species within the Saxifraga genus, highlighting its unique characteristics and natural habitat.
Native to the limestone-rich regions of Southeastern France, Italy, and the Mediterranean islands of Sardegna and Sicilia, Saxifraga callosa thrives in rocky, well-drained soils. It is predominantly found in crevices and alpine meadows where it can enjoy both the shelter of rugged terrains and ample sunlight. This specific adaptation to limestone environments underscores its common name, ‘Limestone saxifrage’.
The plant is characterized by its rosette-forming leaves, which are evergreen and exhibit a smooth, slightly toothed margin. During its blooming period, the Limestone saxifrage produces delicate white or pale pink flowers, typically clustered on long, slender stems that rise above the foliage. These blossoms not only add a touch of elegance to the rocky landscapes but also attract various pollinators, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Limestone saxifrage has garnered interest not just for its botanical significance but also for its horticultural value. It is often cultivated in rock gardens and alpine house collections, where its beauty and resilience can be appreciated in a controlled setting. Gardeners prize it for its ability to add texture and color to rocky terrains, making it a sought-after plant for specialty garden projects.
In summary, Saxifraga callosa stands as an enduring symbol of the botanical richness found in limestone areas of Southeastern France, Italy, and parts of the Mediterranean. Its historical documentation by Smith and Dickson, paired with its ecological and ornamental significance, underscores the enduring charm and scientific intrigue of the Limestone saxifrage.
Common Names
Swe: tungbräcka
En: Limestone Saxifrage, Thick-leaved Saxifrage
Ca: Corona de reina
Fr: Saxifrage à feuilles en languette
De: Zungen-Steinbrech
It: Sassifraga meridionale
Sv: Tungbräcka
: Limestone saxifrage
Synonyms
- Evaiezoa callosa ((Sm.) Raf.)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 8, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jun 27, 2021 by lucycucci (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:793354-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7478310)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga callosa Sm.)