Cretian mat daisy (Anthemis cretica, Sp. Pl.: 895 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 895 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anthemis

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Europe to C. Lebanon and Iran

Description

The Cretian mat daisy, scientifically known as Anthemis cretica, is a species brimming with botanical intrigue and splendor. This charming perennial belongs to the illustrious Asteraceae family, which is renowned for its diversity and aesthetically pleasing members.

Anthemis cretica was first documented in 1753, positioning itself in the annals of botanical history with the authority of Linnaeus behind its nomenclature. Its habitat stretches from Southeastern Europe to Central Lebanon and Iran, indicating its adaptability to various climates and terrains within this vast geography.

Visually striking, the Cretian mat daisy showcases a quaint yet vibrant appearance. It typically forms dense mats adorned with subtly enchanting flowers. The blooms are reminiscent of the typical daisy structure, embodying simplicity and elegance in their arrangement. These flowers often exhibit a white or pale hue, with a central yellow disc, standing as a reminder of the plant’s lineage in the Asteraceae family.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Cretian mat daisy offers practical environmental benefits. As a mat-forming species, it presents a robust ground cover solution, resilient to erosion and capable of thriving in rocky and less fertile soils typical of its native regions. Its use in gardens and landscape designs is often favored for these attributes, alongside its low-maintenance nature and enduring foliage.

In its native habitat, the daisy plays a substantial role in the local ecosystem. It contributes to the biodiversity, providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators, which include bees and butterflies. This interaction underscores the plant’s ecological value, extending beyond mere aesthetics to supporting vital biological processes.

The Cretian mat daisy, therefore, is more than just an ornamental addition. It is a testament to the enduring beauty of natural adaptation and ecological synergy. Whether in the wild terrains stretching from SE Europe to Iran or cultivated within a garden, Anthemis cretica continues to exemplify the timeless charm of nature’s floral creations.

Common Names

Eng: mountain dog-daisy
En: Cretian mat daisy, Rayless chamomile, Stiff Chamomile, White Mat Chamomile, Mountain Dog-daisy
Ar: أربيان كريتي
Bg: Критско подрумче
Fi: Vuorisauramo
Fr: Anthémis de Crête
De: Kretische Kamille, Steife Hundskamille
Fa: بابونه نافی

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Marco Varricchione Marco Varricchione (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2021 by nicolas swirsky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by luca (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Matthias Diot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

© 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)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7839493)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:177267-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anthemis cretica L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 4