Family: Santalaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:1022. 1753
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Osyris
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit. to Western Sahara
Description
White osyris, scientifically known as Osyris alba, is a notable species within the Santalaceae family. First described in the authoritative botanical reference “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, White osyris has since been a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, extending its presence all the way to Western Sahara. This geographic distribution underlines its adaptability to a variety of climates and terrains, primarily thriving in areas characterized by Mediterranean climate conditions.
Osyris alba is distinguished by its resilience and unique ecological characteristics. It typically grows as a shrub and is often noted for its association with a host of other plant species due to its semi-parasitic nature. This means that while White osyris can perform photosynthesis on its own, it also derives some of its nutrients by attaching to the roots of neighboring plants.
Ecologically, White osyris plays a significant role in its habitat. The plant’s ability to thrive in various environments makes it an important species for study, particularly in relation to plant adaptability and survival strategies. Additionally, its interactions with other species in its ecosystem offer insights into the complex relationships that sustain and affect biodiversity.
Researchers and horticulturalists interested in Mediterranean and desert flora will find Osyris alba an intriguing subject for further study, not only due to its adaptable nature but also due to its historical documentation by Linnaeus, which showcases its longstanding recognition in botanical science.
Common Names
Deu: honigduftender rutenstrauch
Eng: white osyris
En: White Osyris, Osyris, Poet’s-cassia
Ar: عثق أبيض
Eu: Linorka
Bg: Бял озирис
Ca: Ginestó, Gessamí de llop, Ginesta blanca, Ginesta de bolles vermelles
Fi: Italiantuonenmarja
Fr: Osyris blanc, Rouvet, Rouvet blanc
De: Honigduftender Rutenstrauch, Weiße Osyris, Weißer Harnstrauch
He: שבטן לבן
It: Ginestrella comune
Es: Guardalobo, Retama blanca, Retama loca
Synonyms
- Osyris lanceolata var. moroderorum (Pau & Sennen)
- Osyris mediterranea (Bubani)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Oct 23, 2021 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2019 by F. Javier Palus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2007 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2019 by Jorge (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.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jul 1, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 12, 2019 by Giu Sixth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Carlo Tognoni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Vincenzo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2021 by sandrine barilla (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 15, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Sarah Marthaler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2022 by karine cochet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Serralle Caemen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Aurélien (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Tela BOTANICA (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Bernard Sudan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Pierre RIVIER (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3789029)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:780497-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Osyris alba L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]
Soil nutriments: 5