Family: Plumbaginaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 151 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Plumbago
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Medit. to Iran and Turkmenistan
Description
The European leadwort, scientifically known as Plumbago europaea, is a noteworthy species within the family Plumbaginaceae. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant has garnered attention for its distinctive characteristics and widespread habitat.
European leadwort thrives in regions spanning from the Mediterranean to Iran and Turkmenistan, showcasing a remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. It is commonly found in a variety of landscapes including rocky terrains, grasslands, and scrublands. This adaptability is mirrored in its robust nature and the ability to flourish in less-than-ideal soil types.
The plant is characterized by its glabrous and erect stems, which often reach a moderate height, supporting an array of vibrant, blue to lavender flowers. These flowers, blooming predominantly in the warmer months, attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the plant’s reproductive success and widespread distribution. The foliage, typically lanceolate and smoothly edged, complements the striking floral display, making the European leadwort a visually appealing addition to any natural setting.
In addition to its ornamental value, Plumbago europaea has been recognized for its traditional uses in various cultures. Historically, extracts from the plant were employed in medicinal applications, although contemporary usage has shifted more towards its aesthetic contributions in landscaping and garden design.
The European leadwort, with its historical roots and enduring presence across its native habitat, continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike. Its resilience and beauty make it a valuable specimen within its family, Plumbaginaceae, and an enduring emblem of botanical diversity that intrigues those who study and cultivate it.
Common Names
Eng: european leadwort
Deu: europäische bleiwurz
Swe: dvärgblyblomma
En: European Leadwort, Plumbago
Ar: رصاصية أوروبية
Bg: Обикновен саркофай
Ca: Malvesc
Zh: 欧花丹
Cs: Olověnec evropský
Fi: Euroopanlyijykukka
Fr: Dentelaire, Dentelaire d’Europe, Malherbe, Plombago, Plumbago d’Europe
De: Europäische Bleiwurz
He: עפרית אירופית
It: Caprinella, Piombaggine
Fa: علف سربی
Pt: Dentilária, Erva-de-Santo-António
Sv: Dvärgblyblomma, Europeisk blyblomma
Zh-hant: 歐花丹
Synonyms
- Plumbago lapathifolia (Willd.)
- Plumbago purpurea (Salisb.)
- Plumbago europaea var. asperrima (Sennen & Elías)
- Plumbago angustifolia (Spach)
- Plumbago undulata (Moench)
- Plumbago denticulata (St.-Lag.)
- Plumbago europaea var. glandulosa (Cout.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Morocco (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
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 18, 2020 by Greg Martinez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2019 by Fasoli Valentina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2018 by Daniela Byrdus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2017 by Javier Hormigos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2021 by sara di nicolantonio (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Chris Zachs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Richard Thomas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2022 by antonio maffei (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2019 by pastilla martin (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Mauro Tomaselli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Corinne SÉGUDA-LAURENT (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jun 22, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2021 by Pezzi Miguel Ángel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2022 by antonio maffei (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Esra Gauthier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 12, 2017 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Anthony VALET (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2020 by Paco Seoane (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2018 by Pierfrancesco Burrato (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4090052)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:687068-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Plumbago europaea L.)