Alpine honeysuckle (Lonicera alpigena, Sp. Pl.: 174 (1753))

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 174 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lonicera

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mts. of SC. & S. Europe

Description

Alpine honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera alpigena, is a notable member of the Caprifoliaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this plant holds a distinguished place within botanical literature and has been carefully studied for centuries.

Native to the mountainous regions of South-Central and Southern Europe, Alpine honeysuckle thrives in high-altitude environments where it forms an integral part of the alpine flora. Adapted to withstand the harsh conditions of its native habitat, this resilient plant is a testament to the remarkable strategies flora can employ to flourish in challenging ecosystems.

The plant exhibits characteristic features typical of honeysuckles, including attractive clusters of flowers that can range in color, often adding a splash of vibrancy to the rugged landscapes it inhabits. Its blooms are not only visually appealing but also serve as a valuable resource for pollinators in these regions.

Renowned for its contribution to the biodiversity of alpine forest areas, Lonicera alpigena is an excellent subject of study for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its presence in south-central and southern Europe’s mountainous regions highlights the ecological diversity and the complex interdependence of plant species in these environments.

The Alpine honeysuckle’s role extends beyond its ecological niche; it has also been of interest for purposes of horticulture and conservation. Understanding its growth patterns, reproductive mechanisms, and survival strategies can provide critical insights into the health and sustainability of mountain ecosystems.

In summary, the Alpine honeysuckle, or Lonicera alpigena, is a fascinating plant cherished for its beauty and resilience. It stands as a symbol of the intricate and often delicate balance within alpine habitats, as well as the enduring interest of botanists tracing back to its initial classification by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-heckenkirsche
Eng: alpine honeysuckle
Nob: alpeleddved
Nno: alpeleddved
Est: alpi kuslapuu
Swe: alptry
En: Alpine honeysuckle
Az: Alp doqquzdonu
Be: Бружмель альпійскі
Bg: Алпийски орлови нокти
Ca: Xuclamel alpí
Cs: Zimolez horský
Nl: Alpenkamperfoelie
Et: Alpi kuslapuu
Fi: Alppikuusama
Fr: Camérisier des Alpes, Chèvrefeuille des Alpes, Chèvrefeuille alpin
De: Alpen-Heckenkirsche, Alpengeißblatt, Alpenheckenkirsche, Bergkirschen
It: Camecèraso, Caprifoglio alpino, Ciliegina d’alpe, Ciliegia bastarda, Ciliegia di monte, Madreselva alpina
No: Alpeleddved
Nb: Alpeleddved
Nn: Alpeleddved
Ru: Жимолость альпийская
Es: Gosul
Sv: Alptry
Vi: Kim ngân núi cao

Synonyms

• Euchylia alpigena ((L.) Dulac)
• Isika alpigena ((L.) Borkh.)
• Chamaecerasus alpigena ((L.) Medik.)
• Caprifolium alpigenum ((L.) Gaertn.)
• Xylosteon alpigenum ((L.) Fuss)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 21, 1987 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Serena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 1987 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2021 by Ornitho Galum (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Stefan Holtz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by amagedon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Katharina Ostertag (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2014 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by amagedon (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Bjørn Hornmoen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

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

Habit

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (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 Apr 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 16, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Michel PANSIOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:148602-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6369729)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lonicera alpigena L.)

Specifications

Growth