Family: Asteraceae
Author: Benth.
Bibliography: Pl. Hartw.: 18 (1839)
Year: 1839
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Berlandiera
Vegetable: False
Observations: U.S.A. to Mexico
Description
The Chocolate-flower, scientifically known as Berlandiera lyrata, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Found ranging from the United States to Mexico, this plant holds a unique place in the natural landscape due to its distinctive characteristics and ecological significance.
Named for its delightful scent, the Chocolate-flower’s aroma closely resembles that of sweet chocolate, a feature that makes it especially attractive to humans and pollinators alike. The plant typically blooms in the early morning, emitting its chocolate fragrance strongest at dawn, thereby inviting bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to its bright, yellow-green daisy-like flowers. As the day progresses, the fragrance diminishes, and the plant tends to close its blossoms, conserving its resources for the next cycle of blooming.
Berlandiera lyrata grows well in well-drained soils and is adaptable to various environmental conditions, including drought and poor soil fertility. It is a resilient species that thrives in the arid and semi-arid regions where it naturally occurs, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for survival in challenging climates. This hardiness makes it a popular choice for xeriscaping and wildflower gardens, where water conservation is crucial.
The foliage of the Chocolate-flower is equally appealing. The leaves are deeply lobed and lyre-shaped, providing an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. When not in bloom, the plant still maintains an ornamental presence, with its silvery-green leaves contributing to garden aesthetics.
Not only is Berlandiera lyrata admired for its beauty and scent, but it also plays an essential role in the ecosystem. Its flowers support a variety of pollinators, and the plant serves as a food source for local wildlife. Furthermore, its robust root system helps to prevent soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing areas prone to degradation.
In botanical literature, the Chocolate-flower was first described in 1839 in the publication “Pl. Hartw.” by the botanist George Bentham, who recognized its unique qualities and ecological adaptations. Since then, Berlandiera lyrata has continued to garner interest from botanists and horticulturists who appreciate its distinctive charm and practical applications in sustainable gardening.
In summary, the Chocolate-flower is a botanical gem of the Asteraceae family, celebrated for its captivating chocolate scent, vivid blooms, and ecological benefits. Whether appreciated for its aesthetic qualities in garden settings or its role in supporting pollinator populations, Berlandiera lyrata stands out as a noteworthy species in the plant kingdom.
Common Names
Eng: chocolate-flower, lyreleaf greeneyes
En: Chocolate-flower, Lyreleaf greeneyes, Greeneyes
Fi: Suklaakukka
De: Schokoladenblume
Nv: Tʼąąʼnteelí
Tr: Çikolata çiçeği
Synonyms
- Berlandiera incisa (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Berlandiera lyrata var. purpurea (B.L.Turner)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 8, 2012 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Ode R (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 18, 2020 by massimo barchi massimo barchi (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Cameron Waibel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2020 by Bubbles Madrid (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 16, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 6, 2016 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 6, 2016 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 15, 2016 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 15, 2016 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Aug 6, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
© 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/3148290)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:184670-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Berlandiera lyrata Benth.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 9.5
Ph minimum: 6.5