European umbrella milkwort (Tolpis barbata, Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 372 (1791))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Gaertn.

Bibliography: Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 372 (1791)

Year: 1791

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tolpis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Madeira, W. Medit.

Description

The European umbrella milkwort, scientifically known as Tolpis barbata, is a captivating member of the Asteraceae family. Described initially in the pivotal botanical work “Fruct. Sem. Pl.” volume 2 on page 372 in 1791, this species was later attributed to the renowned botanist Gaertner, following its discovery and classification by Linnaeus.

This annual herbaceous plant graces various regions, predominantly flourishing in Madeira and the Western Mediterranean. It is recognized for its striking floral arrangement and the characteristic structure of its inflorescence, which somewhat resembles an umbrella, hence its common name. The flowers of Tolpis barbata feature a vibrant display that not only adds aesthetic value to its habitat but also supports local ecosystems by attracting pollinators.

Growing in a variety of soil types, this resilient plant has adapted well to its native regions, often appearing in meadows, rocky slopes, and roadside fringes where it can be seen basking in the sunlight. The European umbrella milkwort is an essential part of its ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the environments it inhabits.

In the broader context of botanical studies, Tolpis barbata is an excellent specimen for understanding plant adaptation and ecological interactions within its regions. Its presence in the Madeira and Western Mediterranean regions offers insight into the flora diversity and evolutionary processes influenced by the Mediterranean climate.

Overall, the European umbrella milkwort is not just a plant of botanical interest but also a crucial player in the ecosystems it populates, highlighting the intricate beauty and complexity of nature.

Common Names

Deu: bärtiges christusauge
Eng: european umbrella milkwort, yellow hawkweed, black eyes, tolpis
Dan: kristøje
Spa: lechuguilla salvaje
Por: olho-de-môcho
Swe: skäggfibbla
Fra: trépane barbue
Bul: брадат толпис
Heb: קִיטָה סוֹכְכָנִית, קיטה סוככנית
Ara: فَيْقوع مُلْتَحٍ
Nld: christusanjelier
En: European umbrella milkwort, Yellow hawkweed, Black eyes, Tolpis, European Umbrella-milkwort
Ar: فيقوع لحوي, فَيْقوع مُلْتَحٍ
Bg: Брадат толпис
Cs: Škardovka vousatá
Da: Kristøje
Nl: Christusanjelier
Fi: Partakeltasilmä
Fr: Trépane barbue
De: Echter Bartpippau, Bärtiges Christusauge
He: קיטה סוככנית, קִיטָה סוֹכְכָנִית
It: Radicchio
Pt: Olho-de-mocho, Olho-de-môcho
Sk: Škardovka bradatá
Es: Tolpis, Chicoria Andaluza, Lechuguilla salvaje
Sv: Skäggfibbla

Synonyms

• Tolpis barbata var. dichroa ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy)
• Drepania falcata (Rouss.)
• Drepania pallida (Steud.)
• Tolpis prolifera (Moench)
• Tolpis discolor (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Tolpis pallidiflora (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Cichorium barbatum (E.H.L.Krause)
• Crepis baetica (Mill.)
• Crepis pallida (Sch.Bip.)
• Tolpis baetica (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Tolpis barbata var. macrantha (Maire)
• Swertia barbata (All.)
• Tolpis bivonae (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Tolpis barbata var. discolor ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy)
• Tolpis dichroa (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Drepania barbata ((L.) Desf.)
• Tolpis canariensis (Jord. & Fourr.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 12, 2021 by Díaz Enrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2022 by stijn poelen (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by Grasso Alessandro (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

© 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 Jun 22, 2020 by Pedro Carrillo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2016 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2018 by Meiga Entropía (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 13, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Françoise BOULANGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Françoise BOULANGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 2008 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 18, 2008 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 9, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 9, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3097166)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:255787-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tolpis barbata (L.) Gaertn.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth