Creeping sandwort (Moehringia ciliata, A.Hartinger & K.W.von Dalla Torre, Atlas Alpenfl.: 78 (1882))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (Scop.) Dalla Torre

Bibliography: A.Hartinger & K.W.von Dalla Torre, Atlas Alpenfl.: 78 (1882)

Year: 1882

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Moehringia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alps to W. Balkan Pen.

Description

Creeping sandwort, known scientifically as Moehringia ciliata, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. Its delicately structured form and its resilience to extreme conditions make it a captivating species worthy of both scientific attention and horticultural admiration.

Native to the rugged and often harsh environments of the Alps extending to the western regions of the Balkan Peninsula, creeping sandwort thrives in these alpine habitats where the weather can range from frigid winters to relatively warm summers. Its ability to adapt to such diverse climatic conditions speaks to its hardiness and specialized ecological niche.

The plant typically showcases slender stems that crawl along the ground, hence the name “creeping.” These stems are adorned with fine, hair-like structures that give the plant its species epithet “ciliata,” which means “fringed with hairs.” This characteristic is not just a defining aesthetic feature but also an adaptation that helps it to survive in its native environment.

Another remarkable quality of Moehringia ciliata is its floral display. The plant produces small, delicate white flowers which are not only a sight to behold against the rocky alpine terrain but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. These flowers attract a variety of pollinators, ensuring the plant’s reproduction and contributing to the biodiversity of the area.

Due to its specialized habitat, creeping sandwort can be an excellent subject for those interested in alpine horticulture or ecological studies. Its presence in the wild serves as an indicator of undisturbed natural habitats, given its preference for pristine alpine environments.

Historically, Moehringia ciliata has been documented in botanical literature, most notably by A. Hartinger and K.W. von Dalla Torre in their 1882 work, “Atlas Alpenfl,” where it is listed on page 78. The species was initially described by G.A. Scopoli and later reclassified by Dalla Torre, further cementing its place in botanical nomenclature.

In essence, the creeping sandwort is not just a plant but a testament to the resilience and beauty of alpine flora. Its subtle charms and ecological significance make it a fascinating subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: gewimperte nabelmiere, wimper-nabelmiere
En: Creeping Sandwort
Fr: Sabline ciliée, Moehringie ciliée
De: Gewimperte Nabelmiere, Wimper-Nabelmiere, Bewimperte Nabelmiere
It: Moehringia cigliata
: Creeping sandwort

Synonyms

• Moehringia ciliata f. polygonoides ((Wulfen) Bolzon)
• Arenaria polygonoides (Wulfen)
• Arenaria polygonoides var. nana (Gaudin)
• Alsine polygonoides ((Wulfen) Prantl)
• Moehringia sperguloides (Nyman)
• Moehringia polygonoides ((Wulfen) Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Moehringia thesiifolia ((Froel. ex Rchb.) Dalla Torre)
• Tryphane obtusa (Rchb.)
• Moehringia sphagnoides ((Rchb.) Bluff, Nees & Schauer)
• Alsine occulta (Kar. & Kir.)
• Alsinanthus obtusus ((All.) Desv.)
• Arenaria thesiifolia (Froel. ex Rchb.)
• Stellaria polygonoides ((Wulfen) Jess.)
• Sabulina polygonoides ((Wulfen) Rchb.)
• Sabulina sphagnoides (Rchb.)
• Arenaria sphagnoides ((Rchb.) Fernald)
• Moehringia obtusa (Rchb. ex Nyman)
• Arenaria occulta (Fisch. ex Ser.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by Dorothee Rugevics (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Frank Sundermeyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2021 by Nadège Pakula (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by ludovic riche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Vincenc J (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 7, 2020 by Diago Clara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by ngrhm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by vladimirostock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Frank Sundermeyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2020 by Senf Bernd (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 13, 2021 by arribas sara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by ngrhm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2020 by Diago Clara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2020 by Phil Durand56 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2020 by J Leonardo Sánchez Fernández (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 3, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2018 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.

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3810607)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:155706-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Moehringia ciliata (Scop.) Dalla Torre)

Specifications

Growth