Family: Gentianaceae
Author: (Lam.) Caruel
Bibliography: F.Parlatore, Fl. Ital. 6: 743 (1886)
Year: 1886
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Exaculum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Channel Is. (Guernsey) to W. & C. Medit.
Description
The Guernsey centaury, scientifically known as Exaculum pusillum, is a delicate plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family. Originally described by the renowned botanist F. Parlatore in the comprehensive work “Flora Italiana” in 1886, this modest yet fascinating species has captivated the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
The plant thrives in particular geographic locales, specifically from the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, extending to the western and central regions of the Mediterranean. Its distribution highlights its adaptability to the unique climatic conditions of these areas, where it has seamlessly integrated into the local flora.
Exaculum pusillum, or Guernsey centaury, is noted for its petite stature, embodying subtle beauty with its small, delicate features. The name “pusillum” itself denotes its tiny size, a fitting description for this unassuming but resilient plant. Its presence serves as an indicator of the health of its natural habitat, often gracing open, sundrenched meadows and grasslands where it can receive ample sunlight.
Despite its diminutive size, the Guernsey centaury holds significant ecological value. As with many members of the Gentianaceae family, it plays a role in supporting various pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological stability of its environment.
The formal attribution of its scientific classification is credited to the respected botanist Caruel, who furthered the understanding of this species following the early documentation by Parlatore. Their contributions have ensured that the Guernsey centaury is well-documented within botanical literature, allowing for continued study and appreciation of this charming plant.
In summary, the Guernsey centaury, Exaculum pusillum, stands as a testament to nature’s intricate beauty and the rich diversity of the plant kingdom, with a unique presence that spans from the Channel Islands to the Mediterranean shores.
Common Names
Deu: kleines zindelkraut
Nld: dwergdraadgentiaan
Eng: guernsey centaury
Ita: cicendia minore
Fra: cicendie fluette, cicendie très petite
En: Guernsey Centaury
Nl: Dwergdraadgentiaan
Fr: Cicendie Fluette, Cicendie Très Petite, Cicendie naine, Gentiane fluette, Exacule nain
De: Kleines Zindelkraut, Zwerg-Zindelkraut
It: Cicendia minore
: Guernsey centaury
Synonyms
- Gentiana filiformis (Pourr. ex Willk. & Lange)
- Microcala filiformis (Colmeiro)
- Cicendia candollei (Griseb.)
- Exacum glaucum (Bastard ex Schult. & Schult.f.)
- Erythraea candollei (Des Moul.)
- Exaculum pusillum var. candollei ((Bastard) Rouy)
- Microcala pusilla ((Lam.) G.Don)
- Exacum pusillum ((Lam.) DC.)
- Chironia minima (Thuill.)
- Gentiana pusilla (Lam.)
- Centaurium candollei ((Des Moul.) Druce)
- Exacum candollei (Bastard)
- Chironia pusilla (Steud.)
- Cicendiola vaillantii (Bubani)
- Erythraea ramosissima var. inaperta (Pers.)
- Cicendiopsis pusilla ((Lam.) Kuntze)
- Cicendia pusilla ((Lam.) Griseb.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Netherlands (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.
Habit
Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Corine OOSTERLEE (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Corine OOSTERLEE (©)
Taken Aug 22, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Christophe GIROD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Corine OOSTERLEE (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Sep 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Corine OOSTERLEE (©)
Fruit
Taken Apr 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Anne Vincent (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3841586)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:367448-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Exaculum pusillum (Lam.) Caruel)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.0
Ph minimum: 4.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 2