Alpen-mannstreu (Eryngium alpinum, Sp. Pl.: 233 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 233 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eryngium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Jura, Alps to NW. Balkan Pen.

Description

Alpen-mannstreu, also known by its scientific name Eryngium alpinum, is a unique and striking plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. First documented in 1753 by the renowned botanical authority L., this species has been captivating botanists and nature enthusiasts for centuries.

Eryngium alpinum is indigenous to the majestic mountain ranges of Jura and the Alps, extending its reach to the northwestern regions of the Balkan Peninsula. This hardy plant has adapted to thrive in these regions’ challenging alpine climates, making it a fascinating subject of study and admiration.

Distinguished by its eye-catching appearance, Alpen-mannstreu boasts spiky, thistle-like flowers that range in color from vibrant blue to steel-blue hues. The serrated leaves and bristly bracts add to its distinctive silhouette, making it a standout in any alpine flora collection.

The plant’s robust structure and resilience have allowed it to endure harsh weather conditions and thrive in rocky, well-drained soils typically found in its native habitats. This adaptability also makes it a suitable candidate for alpine gardens, where it can add a touch of wild, untamed beauty.

Aside from its ornamental value, Eryngium alpinum holds a special place in the ecosystem, supporting various insect populations, including bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. Thus, it plays a critical role in the pollination networks within its native regions.

As with many alpine species, Alpen-mannstreu is subject to the pressures of habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of this remarkable plant, preserving its ecological contributions and its place in the natural heritage of the alpine and Balkan environments.

In summary, Eryngium alpinum is more than a botanical curiosity; it is a resilient and vital component of its native ecosystems, celebrated for both its rugged beauty and ecological importance.

Common Names

Dan: alpe-mandstro
Deu: alpen-mannstreu
Swe: alpmartorn
Fra: panicaut des alpes
En: Alpen-Mannstreu, Sea Holly Blue Star, Queen of the Alps
Ar: قرصعنة ألبية
Bg: Алпийски ветрогон
Ca: Card gros
Zh: 高山刺芹
Da: Alpe-Mandstro
Nl: Alpenkruisdistel
Eo: Alpa eringio
Fi: Alppipiikkiputki
Fr: Panicaut des Alpes, Reine des Alpes, Chardon bleu des Alpes
De: Alpen-Mannstreu, Alpendistel
It: Calcatreppola alpina, Regina delle Alpi
Pl: Mikołajek alpejski
Ru: Синеголовник альпийский
Es: Alpska možina
Sv: Alpmartorn
Zh-tw: 高山刺芹
: Alpen-mannstreu

Synonyms

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 17, 2004 by Anne-Laure (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Roberto Bianchi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2019 by Pauline Pau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Jane Marguerite (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Guy DR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 24, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Françoise MADIC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Claudia Springmann (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 22, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by David Blondin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Taken Jan 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 23, 2003 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3633778)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:841634-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eryngium alpinum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5