Costolina alpina (Hypochaeris uniflora, Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 37 (1779))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Vill.

Bibliography: Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 37 (1779)

Year: 1779

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hypochaeris

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe

Description

Costolina alpina, scientifically identified as Hypochaeris uniflora, is a remarkable plant species found predominantly across various regions in Europe. This attractive bloom belongs to the diverse and widespread family Asteraceae, often identified by its distinctive composite flower heads.

First described in the late 18th century, Costolina alpina was meticulously cataloged by the notable botanist Dominique Villars in his seminal work “Prospectus de l’Histoire des Plantes du Dauphiné,” published in 1779. Villars’ early botanical observations laid the groundwork for future studies of alpine flora, among which Hypochaeris uniflora stands out owing to its unique characteristics and ecological significance.

Costolina alpina thrives in the alpine and subalpine zones, where its vibrant presence contributes to the natural tapestry of these high-altitude ecosystems. The plant prefers open, sunny habitats, often flourishing in meadows, grassy slopes, and rocky terrains where it can enjoy the cool, moist conditions typical of its mountainous environment.

The plant’s singular flower head, a notable feature from which its scientific name ‘uniflora’ is derived, showcases a bright yellow hue that attracts various pollinators, ensuring its reproductive success. Its leaves form a basal rosette, a common trait among members of the Asteraceae family, which aids in conserving moisture and protecting the plant from the harsh winds and variable temperatures of its high-altitude home.

Researchers and botanists continue to study Costolina alpina for its ecological role and adaptive strategies in alpine environments. Its presence not only adds aesthetic value to the regions it inhabits but also plays a crucial part in the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

In summary, Hypochaeris uniflora, fondly known as Costolina alpina, is a testament to the rich floral diversity of Europe’s mountainous regions. Its discovery and documentation by Villars over two centuries ago have provided valuable insights into the botanical richness and complexity of alpine plant life.

Common Names

En: Costolina alpina, Giant Cat’s-ear
Cs: Náholník jednoúborný, Prasetník jednoúborný
Nl: Eenbloemig Biggekruid, Eenbloemig Biggenkruid
Fr: Grande Porcelle, Porcelle à une fleur, Porcelle à une tête
De: Einköpfiges Ferkelkraut
It: Costolina alpina, Costolina di Facchini
Pl: Prosienicznik jednogłówkowy

Synonyms

• Hypochaeris helvetica (Wulfen)
• Trommsdorffia uniflora ((Vill.) Soják)
• Achyrophorus helveticus (Less.)
• Achyrophorus uniflorus (F.W.Schmidt)
• Porcellites helveticus (Cass.)
• Hypochaeris alpestris (Facch. ex Ambrosi)
• Hieracium uniflorum (E.H.L.Krause)
• Hypochaeris maculata subsp. uniflora ((Vill.) Bonnier & Layens)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Trojniak Bartek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by ukk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Jaroslava Starcová (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Paul Henrich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Paul Henrich (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2018 by dani (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 28, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Marlu (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2019 by Martini Annette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Marco Elerdini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Beat Pfund (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Radbout Timmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Rob Bakker (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by ukk (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Käch Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:225624-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypochaeris uniflora Vill.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3093841)

Specifications

Growth