Balm-leaved figwort (Scrophularia scorodonia, Sp. Pl.: 620 (1753))

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 620 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scrophularia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, SW. Europe, Morocco

Description

Balm-leaved figwort, scientifically recognized as Scrophularia scorodonia, is a notable member of the Scrophulariaceae family. This intriguing plant has a rich history and geographical spread, primarily flourishing in the Azores, southwestern Europe, and Morocco.

Originally described in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this species has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its robust presence in the varied climates of the Azores, the temperate zones of southwestern Europe, and the diverse landscapes of Morocco speaks volumes about its adaptability and resilience.

The balm-leaved figwort is distinguished by its specific morphological characteristics, which include its uniquely shaped leaves resembling those of balm plants, hence the common name. These leaves are not only a distinguishing feature but also a point of interest for those studying medicinal and aromatic plants. The plant’s ecological contributions and interactions within its habitats render it an important subject for further research and conservation efforts.

Further exploration of Scrophularia scorodonia can provide insights into the evolutionary adaptability of plants within the Scrophulariaceae family, as well as their role in traditional and contemporary uses. This species stands as a testament to the intricate beauty and diversity of the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: balm-leaved figwort
Spa: fistulera atlantica
Deu: knoblauch-braunwurz, salbei-braunwurz
Swe: atlantflenört
Cym: gornerth gwenynddail, gwrnerth dail gwenyn
En: Balm-leaved Figwort
Fr: Scrofulaire à feuilles de germandrée, Scrofulaire alliacée, Scrofulaire scorodoine, Scrophulaire à feuilles de germandrée, Scrophulaire alliacée, Scrophulaire scorodoine
De: Knoblauch-Braunwurz, Salbei-Braunwurz
Es: Fistulera atlantica
Sv: Atlantflenört
Cy: Gwrnerth dail gwenyn, Gornerth Gwenynddail
: Balm-leaved figwort

Synonyms

• Scrophularia cordata (Mill.)
• Scrophularia cantabrica (Sennen & Elías)
• Scrophularia tinantii (Dumort.)
• Scrophularia scorodonia f. glabrescens (Cout.)
• Scrophularia crenata (Raf.)
• Scrophularia scorodonia subvar. viridiflora (Druce)
• Scrophularia biserrata (Willd.)
• Scrophularia scorodonia subsp. tinantii ((Dumort.) Nyman)
• Scrophularia scorodonia f. verticillata (Merino)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. parvifolia (Merino)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. verticillata ((Merino) Merino)
• Scrophularia papillaris (Boiss. & Reut.)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. acutifolia (Rouy)
• Scrophularia scorodonifolia (Gray)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. papillaris ((Boiss. & Reut.) Ball)
• Scrophularia scorodonia subsp. multiflora ((Lange) Franco)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. longepetiolata (K.Koch)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. brevifolia (Merino)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. multiflora (Lange)
• Scrophularia scorodonia var. glabrescens ((Cout.) Ortega Oliv. & Devesa)
• Scrophularia iberica (Sennen & Elías)

Distribution

• Azores (native)
• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)

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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken May 14, 2020 by Maryse M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Julie Hautecoeur (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Kara Turna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2021 by prieto Laura (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Kara Turna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Ramón Valle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2019 by Thomas Rößler (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 1, 2018 by Meiga Entropía (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Sandra Clermont (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by C O (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by maryvonne stallaerts (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2021 by julio majadas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by rey diego (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Meiga Entropía (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

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

Taken May 14, 2020 by Maryse M (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Maryse M (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7477038)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:809503-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scrophularia scorodonia L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6