Blattloser ehrenpreis (Veronica aphylla, Sp. Pl.: 11 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 11 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mts. of C. & S. Europe

Description

Veronica aphylla, commonly known as Blattloser ehrenpreis, is a fascinating and enchanting perennial herb that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This charming plant, first described in “Species Plantarum” (1753) by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, is noted for its unique adaptability and subtle beauty.

Characteristically found in the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, Veronica aphylla thrives in alpine environments, where the tough and often harsh conditions challenge its growth and survival. Despite these adversities, this plant has evolved to flourish, showcasing its resilience and grace in rocky terrains and high-altitude meadows.

The plant’s name, “Blattloser ehrenpreis,” translates to “leafless speedwell,” which is indicative of its peculiar lack of true leaves. Instead of the conventional foliage, Veronica aphylla produces small scale-like structures that closely hug its slender stems. This adaptation is thought to help conserve moisture and protect against the cold, dry winds typical of its natural habitat.

During the blooming season, this plant produces delicate flowers that captivate with their understated elegance. Typically, the blossoms are a soft shade of blue or violet, arranged in few-flowered clusters at the stem tips. These flowers not only add a splash of color to the rugged mountain landscape but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Despite its unassuming appearance, Veronica aphylla is a testament to nature’s ingenuity and the incredible adaptability of alpine flora. Its ability to thrive in some of Europe’s most challenging environments makes it a plant of significant botanical interest and a subject of study for those interested in plant adaptation and survival strategies.

Overall, Veronica aphylla exemplifies the beauty and resilience of mountain flora, standing as a symbol of endurance and subtle charm in the high-altitude ecosystems of Central and Southern Europe.

Common Names

Deu: blattloser ehrenpreis
Swe: stängelveronika
En: Blattloser Ehrenpreis, Leafless-stemmed Speedwell, Naked-stalked Speedwell
Bg: Безлистно великденче
Ca: Verònica afil·la
Nl: Bladarme Ereprijs
Fr: Véronique sans feuilles, Véronique à tige nue, Véronique aphylle
De: Blattloser Ehrenpreis, Nacktstiel-Ehrenpreis, Zwerg-Ehrenpreis
It: Veronica minore
Pl: Przetacznik różyczkowaty
Ru: Вероника безлистная
Sv: Stängelveronika
Uk: Вероніка безлиста
: Blattloser ehrenpreis

Synonyms

• Azurinia aphylla ((L.) Fourr.)
• Cardia aphylla ((L.) Dulac)
• Veronica aphylla var. nudicaulis (Rouy)
• Veronica depauperata (Waldst. & Kit.)
• Veronica subacaulis (Lam.)
• Veronica aphylla subsp. longistyla ((Ball) Arcang.)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2019 by Pedrocchi César (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Alvaro Delgado (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Alvaro Delgado (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2019 by Pedrocchi César (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 7, 2021 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Elisabeth Ellu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2018 by Guido Lek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2011 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 5, 2018 by Gérard Trinquier (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3734339)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:811628-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica aphylla L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2