Berry catchfly (Silene baccifera, Fl. Bourgogne 1: 260 (1782))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (L.) Durande

Bibliography: Fl. Bourgogne 1: 260 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia

Description

Berry catchfly, known scientifically as Silene baccifera, is a captivating member of the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant, whose documentation can be traced back to the “Flora of Bourgogne” in 1782, was meticulously described by Durande, guided by the foundational work of Carl Linnaeus, often referred to with the abbreviation “L.”

Native to the temperate regions of Eurasia, Berry catchfly thrives in diverse climatic conditions found across these vast territories. The plant’s resilience and adaptability make it a fascinating subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Throughout its natural habitat, Berry catchfly can often be observed gracing meadows, woodland clearings, and other open spaces, contributing significantly to the ecological tapestry of these environments.

Silene baccifera is distinguished by its unique floral and fruiting characteristics, which have earned it the common name, Berry catchfly. The plant’s flowers are notable for their ability to attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a critical role in the process of fertilization and seed dissemination. As the name implies, the plant’s fruit, often likened to berries, adds to its visual appeal and botanical interest.

The study of Silene baccifera offers insight not only into the intricate relationships within its native ecosystems but also highlights the importance of preserving these dynamic systems. Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the biodiversity that species like Berry catchfly represent. Through continued research and responsible cultivation practices, we can ensure that this exquisite plant continues to thrive in its natural habitats and beyond.

In summary, the Berry catchfly (Silene baccifera) stands out as an exemplar of botanical beauty and ecological significance, celebrated over centuries since its inclusion in historical botanical literature. Its presence in temperate Eurasia underscores the intricate and fruitful relationships within its ecosystem, marking it as a species of both scientific and aesthetic interest.

Common Names

Deu: hühnerbiss, hühnerbiss, taubenkropf
Eng: berry catchfly
Nld: besanjelier
Swe: bärglim
Cym: gludlys gronynnog, gwlydd conynnog
En: Berry catchfly, Berry-bearing Catchfly
Az: Giləmeyvəli döyənəkotu
Be: Пухірнік ягадны
Ca: Herba de mala llavor
Zh: 狗筋蔓
Hr: Bobičasta gušavica
Nl: Besanjelier
Fi: Marjakohokki
Fr: Cucubalus baccifer, Coulichon, Cucubale à baies, Cucubale couchée, Cucubale porte-baies
De: Hühnerbiss, Hühnerbiss, Taubenkropf, Beeren-Taubenkropf, Hühnerbiß
It: Erba-cucco
Kk: Күйдіргішөп
Lt: Krūmsargė
Os: Æвзæкъец
Pl: Wyżpin jagodowy
Ru: Волдырник
Es: Cucubalus baccifer
Sv: Bärglim
Zh-tw: 狗筋蔓
Tt: Шешәнәк
Zh-hant: 狗筋蔓
Cy: Gludlys Gronynnog, Gwlydd Conynnog

Synonyms

• Lychnanthos volubilis (S.G.Gmel.)
• Silene baccifera var. japonica ((Miq.) H.Ohashi & H.Nakai)
• Cucubalus japonicus ((Miq.) Vorosch.)
• Scribaea baccifera ((L.) Schur)
• Viscago baccifera ((L.) Vest)
• Cucubalus horizontalis (Moench)
• Cucubalus baccifer var. albiflorus (Sennen)
• Cucubalus divaricatus (Clairv.)
• Cucubalus kashmiriensis (A.K.Skvortsov & Proskur.)
• Cucubalus baccifer var. japonicus (Miq.)
• Silene fissa (Salisb.)
• Cucubalus baccifer f. atropurpureus (Nakai)
• Cucubalus baccifer var. angustifolius (L.H.Zhou)
• Cucubalus baccifer var. cavalerieri (H.Lév.)
• Silene baccifera f. atropurpurea ((Nakai) M.Kim)
• Cucubalus baccatus (Gueldenst. ex Ledeb.)
• Scribaea divaricata (G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.)
• Cucubalus baccifer (L.)
• Scribaea cucubalus (Borkh.)
• Lychnanthos scandens (C.C.Gmel.)
• Lychnis baccifera ((L.) Scop.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Assam (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Great Britain (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.

Fruit

Taken Aug 22, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 22, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2019 by yannigg centaurea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2019 by yannigg centaurea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Eric Favre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Emmanuel Cosson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by jacques maréchal (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by El Mojito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Daniel SOTTY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Daniel SOTTY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Leny Mercier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by sophie begin (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7267309)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:156886-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silene baccifera (L.) Roth)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 7