Arctic alpine forget-me-not (Eritrichium nanum, Fl. Helv. 2: 57 (1828))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: (L.) Gaudin

Bibliography: Fl. Helv. 2: 57 (1828)

Year: 1828

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eritrichium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alps

Description

The Arctic alpine forget-me-not, scientifically known as Eritrichium nanum, is a remarkable flowering plant cherished for its tenacity and vibrant beauty. Described meticulously in botanical literature as early as 1828 in “Flora Helvetica,” this captivating species was formally named by the renowned botanist Gaudin.

Belonging to the Boraginaceae family, which is renowned for vibrant and often hardy plants, the Arctic alpine forget-me-not thrives in some of the harshest environments found in the natural world. It predominantly graces the rugged terrains of the Alps with its striking presence, often making its home amidst craggy rocks and icy outcrops where few other plants dare to grow.

This charming perennial stands out with its petite, sky-blue flowers adorned with a white or pale yellow eye at the center, forming a delicate yet resilient mosaic against the often stark backdrop of its alpine habitat. The blooms of Eritrichium nanum typically emerge in clusters, creating a stunning visual contrast with their surrounding alpine wilderness.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Arctic alpine forget-me-not is a symbol of endurance and adaptation, embodying nature’s resilience to thrive in extreme conditions. The plant’s compact form allows it to conserve heat and withstand the cold, while its deep-rooted system helps anchor it against strong alpine winds and secures it within the rocky crevices.

Naturalists and botanists alike have long been fascinated by Eritrichium nanum not only for its beauty but also for its ecological significance. It contributes to the biodiversity of alpine flora and provides a critical source of nectar for a variety of insects that inhabit these high-altitude environments.

In summary, the Arctic alpine forget-me-not is more than just a pretty plant; it is a testament to the formidable yet fragile beauty of alpine ecosystems. Its presence in such uncompromising habitats showcases nature’s incredible adaptability and the intricate balance of life even in the most challenging of environments.

Common Names

Eng: arctic alpine forget-me-not, king-of-the-alps
En: Arctic alpine forget-me-not, King-of-the-Alps, Herald of Heaven
Fr: Myosotis nain, Éritriche nain, Roi des Alpes
De: Himmelsherold
It: Eritrichio nano

Synonyms

• Myosotis nana (L.)
• Omphalodes nana ((L.) A.Gray)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by môrice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2019 by herve (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by dani (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926332)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:907822-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eritrichium nanum (L.) Schrad. ex Gaudin)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]