Family: Plumbaginaceae
Author: (Brot.) Hoffmanns. & Link
Bibliography: Fl. Portug. 1: 439 (1817)
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Armeria
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. & S. Portugal, NW. & SW. Spain, Corse, Sardegna
Description
The Spiny Thrift, a plant scientifically known as Armeria pungens, is a fascinating member of the Plumbaginaceae family. First documented in the Flora of Portugal in 1817 by the renowned botanists Brotero, Hoffmannsegg, and Link, this perennial herb is recognized for its spiky, tufted appearance, which offers both aesthetic pleasure and resilience in its native habitats.
Found predominantly in the western and southern regions of Portugal, as well as the northwestern and southwestern parts of Spain, the Spiny Thrift thrives in these Mediterranean climates. It also flourishes on the islands of Corse (Corsica) and Sardegna (Sardinia), where the plant’s adaptation to rocky, coastal environments can be seen.
The Spiny Thrift is particularly noted for its compact, cushion-like clusters of narrow leaves that culminate in dense, spiny tufts. This unique morphology not only gives the plant its common name but also plays a crucial role in conserving moisture and protecting it from herbivores. In the spring and early summer, this hardy perennial produces vibrant pink or purplish flowers arranged in rounded inflorescences atop stiff, leafless stems. These striking blooms are a delightful contrast to the plant’s otherwise austere foliage, attracting pollinators and adding a splash of color to its often barren surroundings.
Due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions and its ornamental charm, Armeria pungens is frequently used in rock gardens and coastal landscapes. Its tough constitution also makes it a suitable choice for groundcover in areas prone to erosion.
Overall, the Spiny Thrift is a remarkable example of botanical adaptation and aesthetic appeal, enriching the biodiversity of its native regions while also providing practical benefits in horticultural use.
Common Names
En: Spiny Thrift
Fr: Arméria piquante, Armérie piquante
It: Spillone delle spiagge
Pt: Cravo-das-areias
: Spiny thrift
Synonyms
- Statice pungens (Brot.)
- Armeria fasciculata var. intermedia (Daveau)
- Armeria fasciculata var. pungens ((Link) Arcang.)
- Armeria maritima subsp. pungens ((Brot.) Bernis)
- Statice fasciculata var. pungens ((Link) Samp.)
- Armeria pungens subsp. bernisiana (Malag.)
Distribution
- Corse (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 1, 2022 by marco carra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Manfred K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Manfred K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 9, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by christophe fournier (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Irene Aguiar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Costa Ana (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Rossig Berit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2020 by Silva Eugénio (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 6, 2021 by José Manuel Bustillos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by José Manuel Bustillos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by nina marco (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7136719)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:686392-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Armeria pungens (Link) Hoffmanns. & Link)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 3
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 5
Soil salinity: 5