Chamois cress (Hornungia alpina, Novon 7: 339 (1997 publ. 1998))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) O.Appel

Bibliography: Novon 7: 339 (1997 publ. 1998)

Year: 1998

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hornungia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mts. of Europe

Description

Chamois cress, scientifically known as Hornungia alpina, is a remarkable flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This resilient species can be primarily found adorning the mountainous regions of Europe, contributing to the natural splendor and ecological diversity of these high-altitude landscapes.

Hornungia alpina is characterized by its hardy nature, thriving in the often harsh and demanding conditions of mountainous terrain. The plant’s ability to flourish in such environments is a testament to its adaptability and endurance, making it a subject of interest among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

With its delicate yet robust constitution, Chamois cress has become an integral part of the alpine flora. Its presence not only adds to the beauty of the mountainsides but also plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, supporting a variety of pollinators and contributing to the biodiversity of the region.

Initially documented in scientific literature, this species was officially described in “Novon” in 1997, a journal dedicated to the documentation and classification of plants. The authoritative classification of Hornungia alpina by (L.) O.Appel further solidified its standing in botanical nomenclature.

As you explore the majestic mountains of Europe, keep an eye out for the subtle yet captivating Chamois cress—an emblem of nature’s resilience and a jewel of the alpine flora.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-gemskresse
Nor: fjeldbceske
Swe: alpkrassing
En: Chamois Cress
Ca: Hutquínsia alpina
Nl: Alpengemskers
Fr: Cresson de chamois, Cresson des chamois, Hutchinsie, Pritzélague
De: Alpen-Gemskresse
It: Iberidella alpina
No: Fjeldbceske
Sv: Alpkrassing

Synonyms

• Capsella alpina ((L.) Ces., Pass. & Gibelli)
• Astylus alpinus ((L.) Dulac)
• Noccaea alpina ((L.) Rchb.)
• Nasturtium alpinum ((L.) Crantz)
• Smelowskia alpina ((L.) C.A.Mey.)
• Hutchinsia alpina ((L.) W.T.Aiton)
• Pritzelago alpina ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Vincenc J (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2021 by Simon Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 24, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

© 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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:999429-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5376139)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hornungia alpina (L.) O.Appel)

Specifications

Growth