Categories: Brassicaceae

English scurvygrass (Cochlearia anglica, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1128 (1759))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1128 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cochlearia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & NW. Europe

Description

English scurvygrass, scientifically known as Cochlearia anglica, is a notable species within the Brassicaceae family. First documented in the tenth edition of “Systema Naturae” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1759, this plant has a noteworthy historical and botanical significance.

The English scurvygrass is indigenous to the western and northwestern regions of Europe. Historically, it thrived along coastal areas, adapting to saline environments typical of these maritime landscapes. This adaptability made it a crucial botanical specimen, especially during eras when maritime travel was significant.

One of the plant’s most intriguing aspects is its association with scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. During long voyages, sailors frequently suffered from scurvy due to the lack of fresh produce. English scurvygrass, rich in vitamin C, became a vital source of this essential nutrient, thereby earning its common name. Its leaves, which were either consumed fresh or preserved, provided an accessible means to combat the ailment.

Ecologically, Cochlearia anglica plays a role in its native habitats by contributing to the biodiversity and stability of coastal ecosystems. Its resilience to saline conditions allows it to flourish where many other plants might fail, thereby supporting the overall health and balance of the ecosystem.

In contemporary times, English scurvygrass continues to be of interest not only for its historical medicinal use but also for understanding plant adaptations to harsh environments. Researchers and botanists study its unique properties to gain insights into genetic and physiological traits that allow plants to survive in extreme conditions.

Despite its modest appearance, English scurvygrass stands as a testament to the intricate relationships between plants and human survival, illustrating how nature often holds the key to overcoming some of the most severe challenges faced by humanity.

Common Names

Deu: englisches löffelkraut
Nld: engels lepelblad
Eng: english scurvygrass, long-leaved scurvy-grass
Cym: llwylys lloegr, llwylys seisnig, morlwya brytanaidd, morlwyau brutanaidd, morlwyau hir-ddeiliog, morlwyau lleidiog, ysgurfi-lys seisnig
En: English Scurvygrass, Long-Leaved Scurvy-Grass, English Scurvy-grass
Kw: Kraghles sowsnek
Da: Engelsk Kokleare
Nl: Engels lepelblad
Fi: Lännenrohtokuirimo
Fr: Cochléaire d’Angleterre, Cranson d’Angleterre
De: Englisches Löffelkraut
Cy: Llwylys Seisnig, Llwylys Lloegr, Morlwya Brytanaidd, Morlwyau Brutanaidd, Morlwyau Hir-Ddeiliog, Morlwyau Lleidiog, Ysgurfi-Lys Seisnig
: English scurvy-grass

Synonyms

Cochlearia ovalifolia (Stokes)
Cochlearia officinalis subsp. anglica ((L.) Svanlund)
Cochlearia anglica var. motelayi (Rouy & Foucaud)
Draba batava ((Dumort.) Dumort. ex B.D.Jacks.)
Cochlearia danica var. microcarpa (Rouy & Foucaud)
Cochlearia wahlenbergii (Rupr.)
Cochlearia officinalis var. anglica ((L.) Kurtz)
Cochlearia batava (Dumort.)
Cochlearia longifolia (Medik.)

Distribution

Denmark (native)
France (native)
Germany (native)
Great Britain (native)
Ireland (native)
Netherlands (native)
Sweden (native)

Additional Images