Entire-leaved primrose (Primula integrifolia, Sp. Pl.: 144 (1753))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 144 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Primula

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Pyrenees, C. Alps

Description

The Entire-leaved primrose, scientifically known as Primula integrifolia, is a captivating plant renowned for its striking appearance and the charm it brings to mountainous regions.

First described by the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this species finds its natural habitat in the central and eastern Pyrenees, as well as the central Alps. These high-altitude terrains provide the perfect environment for this resilient species, allowing it to flourish amidst the rocky and often harsh mountainous climate.

Belonging to the Primulaceae family, Primula integrifolia stands out with its distinctive entire leaves, setting it apart from other members of the primrose family, which often exhibit more divided or toothed foliage. Its leaves are typically smooth-edged and form a basal rosette, providing a lush green foundation that highlights the plant’s vibrant flowers.

The blooms of the Entire-leaved primrose are small yet vividly colored, appearing in shades of purple and pink, with a delicate contrast of a yellow eye at the center. These flowers are not only visually striking but also play a crucial role in the plant’s adaptation to its environment, attracting pollinators that rarely frequent these high-altitude areas.

In addition to its beauty, Primula integrifolia is an important species for studying alpine and subalpine ecosystems. Its presence and health can be indicative of the overall state of these fragile environments. Enthusiasts and researchers alike are drawn to its unique characteristics and the role it plays in understanding biodiversity and ecological dynamics in mountainous regions.

Overall, Primula integrifolia is more than just a pretty plant; it is a testament to the resilience and diversity of life in some of the world’s most challenging landscapes. Whether appreciated in the wild or studied for its ecological significance, the Entire-leaved primrose is a species that continues to inspire admiration and scientific interest.

Common Names

En: Entire-leaved Primrose
Ca: Prímula integrifòlia
Fr: Primevère à feuilles entières
De: Glanzblättrige Schlüsselblume, Ganzblättrige Primel
It: Primula a foglie intere
: Entire-leaved primrose

Synonyms

• Aretia integrifolia ((L.) Link)
• Auricula-ursi integrifolia ((L.) Soják)
• Primula candolleana (C.Agardh)
• Primula integrifolia var. garvanensis (Widmer)
• Primula integrifolia var. candolleana ((C.Agardh) Arcang.)
• Auricula integrifolia ((L.) Spach)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by tristan ubaldi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2019 by Reinhard Marx (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2021 by marin alberto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Marc Solà (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 23, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2019 by Markus Rüegger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Aug 16, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane PESSOTTO (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7631456)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:702088-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Primula integrifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3