Burnt candytuft (Aethionema saxatile, Hortus Kew. 4: 80 (1812))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) W.T.Aiton

Bibliography: Hortus Kew. 4: 80 (1812)

Year: 1812

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aethionema

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & S. Europe, E. Algeria

Description

Burnt candytuft, known scientifically as Aethionema saxatile, is a captivating species of flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant boasts a long and storied presence in botanical literature, notably referenced in Hortus Kewensis (1812) by W. T. Aiton.

Aethionema saxatile is indigenous to regions spanning Eastern and Southern Europe and extends into Eastern Algeria. This diverse geographical distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and terrains within these areas.

Burnt candytuft is recognized for its ornamental appeal. Typically found in rocky and calcareous soils, it thrives in environments that might challenge less hardy species. The plant produces a profusion of delicate, clustered flowers, which can range in color but are often noted for their charming and subtle hues. These blossoms make an alluring addition to rock gardens, borders, and other landscaped areas where low-growing, resilient plants are desired.

The common name “Burnt candytuft” possibly arises from the resemblance of the plant’s inflorescences to those of other members within the candytuft group, combined with the somewhat fiery or intense visual impact of its blooms when massed together.

Botanists and plant enthusiasts respect Aethionema saxatile not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its robust nature, making it a valuable species both in wild settings and cultivated gardens. As it continues to be a subject of horticultural interest and study, the legacy of this plant remains firmly rooted in its historical and geographical contexts.

Common Names

Deu: steintäschel
Eng: burnt candytuft
En: Burnt Candytuft
Ca: Pedrosa
Fr: Aéthionéma des rochers, Aéthionème des rochers, Aethionéme des rochers
De: Steintäschel, Felsen-Steintäschel
It: Erba-storna carnicina
Sk: Sivuľka skalná
: Burnt candytuft

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina South (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.

Flower

Taken Apr 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2017 by Monica Blackhall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Sarah Marthaler (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Pierre-Guy (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 19, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by nicolas pecqueux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by Zioivan Beirut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Pierre-Guy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Louise Boulangeat (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 1990 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by nicolas pecqueux (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Louise Boulangeat (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by Zioivan Beirut (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul Fabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Paul Fabre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by Zioivan Beirut (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7870683)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:277234-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aethionema saxatile (L.) R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]