Family: Paeoniaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 2: 247 (1771)
Year: 1771
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Paeonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: NE. European Russia to Mongolia and China
Description
Anomalous peony, with the scientific name Paeonia anomala, is a captivating plant species treasured for its unique beauty and medicinal properties. First documented in 1771 in the “Mantissa Plantarum” (Mant. Pl. 2: 247) by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species has continued to charm and intrigue botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
This member of the Paeoniaceae family showcases a distinctive and elegant appearance. The flowers of the Anomalous peony are particularly notable for their exquisite aesthetics, often blooming in rich hues of pink and purple. Each blossom is composed of numerous, delicately ruffled petals that create a lush and dense formation, a sight that is both visually stunning and remarkably distinct within the diverse peony genus.
Geographically, Paeonia anomala boasts a wide natural distribution, thriving in the varied climates of northeastern European Russia, extending its reach through the vast regions of Mongolia and into China. This extensive range highlights the plant’s adaptability to different environmental conditions. Typically found in meadows, forest clearings, and on mountain slopes, the Anomalous peony is well-suited to both full sun and partial shade, contributing to its robust nature and widespread occurrence.
Aside from its ornamental value, the Anomalous peony holds a venerable place in traditional medicine, particularly within the regions it inhabits. For centuries, different parts of the plant have been utilized for their therapeutic benefits, addressing various ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammatory conditions. Modern research continues to explore these medicinal properties, affirming the plant’s historical significance and potential contemporary applications.
In addition to its medicinal and aesthetic qualities, the Anomalous peony is also an ecological asset, serving as a source of nourishment and habitat for various pollinators and wildlife. The plant’s life cycle and interactions with its environment contribute to the health and sustainability of its native ecosystems.
In conclusion, the Anomalous peony (Paeonia anomala) is a remarkable plant with a rich blend of beauty, medicinal value, and ecological significance. Whether admired in a garden setting or studied for its health benefits, this species remains an emblem of natural elegance and an essential component of its native landscapes.
Common Names
Swe: sibirisk pion
Nno: kolapion
Nob: kolapion
En: Anomalous Peony, Шеңне
Ba: Дөр-дөр сәскә
Ca: Peònia asiàtica
Zh: Xin jiang shao yao, 窄叶芍药
Et: Anomaalne pojeng
Fi: Kuolanpioni
Kk: Таушымылдық
Kv: Маръямоль
Lt: Sibirinis bijūnas
Mn: Ягаан цээнэ
Nb: Kolapion
Nn: Kolapion
Ru: Пион уклоняющийся
Sv: Sibirisk pion
Vi: Thược dược lá hẹp
Synonyms
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Qinghai (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Tuva (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
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.
Flower
Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Анастасия (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Druid.1974 (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Eylisia (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by bruna tamburin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Elize Finne (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2022 by jkmrf jkmrf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Baptiste Terrier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Markéta Bohuslavová (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7316516)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:711738-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Paeonia anomala L.)