False-medlar (Chamaemespilus alpina, Syst. Bot. 16: 390 (1991))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: (Mill.) K.R.Robertson & J.B.Phipps

Bibliography: Syst. Bot. 16: 390 (1991)

Year: 1991

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chamaemespilus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Europe

Description

False-medlar, known scientifically as Chamaemespilus alpina, is an intriguing species belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant is native to the central and southern regions of Europe, where it thrives in alpine and subalpine environments. Renowned for its adaptability, False-medlar has caught the attention of botanists and horticulturists alike since its formal description in Systematic Botany (Syst. Bot.) in 1991, attributed to the taxonomic efforts of (Mill.) K.R. Robertson and J.B. Phipps.

Chamaemespilus alpina typically grows to a modest height, fitting perfectly into its niche habitats. The plant is characterized by its hardy nature and ornamental value. Its foliage is a notable feature, often lush with rich green leaves that provide a stunning contrast against its mountainous backdrop. During its blooming period, False-medlar produces delicate flowers that are not only visually appealing but also contribute to the biodiversity of its ecosystem by attracting various pollinators.

One of the noteworthy aspects of False-medlar is its resilience to the harsh conditions of its native mountainous regions. This adaptability makes it an excellent candidate for rock gardens and similar landscaping projects in regions with climates that mimic its natural habitat. Despite its unassuming common name, False-medlar offers considerable ecological and aesthetic value.

Botanical enthusiasts and researchers studying the flora of Europe continue to observe Chamaemespilus alpina, contributing to our understanding of its role within its native ecosystems. Through such studies, the importance of preserving such species and their habitats is emphasized, ensuring that False-medlar, along with countless other plant species, continues to thrive in the wild.

In summary, False-medlar (Chamaemespilus alpina) is a resilient plant from the Rosaceae family with a significant presence in central and southern Europe. Its botanical description and continued study highlight its environmental and aesthetic contributions, making it a valuable species for both natural habitats and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Deu: zwerg-mehlbeere
En: False-medlar
Bg: Мушмуловидна мукина
Ca: Moixera nana
Hr: Mukinjica
Da: Alpe-Røn
Nl: Dwergmeelbes
Eo: Ŝajna mespilujo
Fr: Alisier nain, Sorbier nain, Sorbier petit Néflier
De: Zwerg-Mehlbeere, Zwerg-Vogelbeere, Zwergeberesche, Zwergmehlbeere, Zwergmispel
Is: Blikreynir
It: Sorbo alpino
No: Vierasal
Pl: Jarząb nieszpułkowy, Jarzab nieszpulkowy
Sv: Dvärgoxel
: Dwarf whitebeam

Synonyms

• Crataegus sorbifolia (Desf.)
• Aria chamaemespilus var. bicolor (Lavallée)
• Pyrus fruticosa ((Steud.) M.F.Fay & Christenh.)
• Pyrus chamaemespilus ((L.) Ehrh.)
• Hahnia chamaemespilus ((L.) Medik.)
• Crataegus chamaemespilus ((L.) Jacq.)
• Pyrus chamaemespilus subvar. crantzii ((Beck) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Pyrus chamaemespilus var. discolor ((Hegetschw.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Pyrus chamaemespilus var. glabra ((Neilr.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus subsp. calvescens (Domin)
• Aria crantzii (Beck)
• Aronia chamaemespilus ((L.) Pers.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus var. discolor (Hegetschw.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus var. typica ((Asch. & Graebn.) Buia)
• Sorbus dentosa (Gand.)
• Lazarolus chamaemespilus ((L.) Borkh.)
• Sorbus fruticosa (Crantz)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus var. angustifolia (A.Kern. ex Murr)
• Mespilus chamaemespilus (L.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus f. angustifolia (Wilczek & Braun-Blanq.)
• Azarolus alpina ((Mill.) Borkh.)
• Azarolus chamaemespilus ((L.) Borkh.)
• Pyrenia chamaemespylus ((L.) Clairv.)
• Pyrus alpina ((Mill.) Du Roi)
• Crataegus chamaemespilus discolor (Ser.)
• Sorbus cerasoides (Gand.)
• Crataegus alpina (Mill.)
• Aronia ariachamaemespilus (Rchb.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus var. glabra (Neilr.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus var. tomentosa (Gren.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus var. lanuginosa (Neilr.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus f. grosseserrata (Düll)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus var. ovalifolia (Rouy & E.G.Camus)
• Crataegus humilis (Lam.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus minus (Simonk.)
• Sorbus crantzii ((Beck) Hayek)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus f. discolor ((Hegetschw.) Düll)
• Sorbus purpurea (Dulac)
• Chamaemespilus humilis (M.Roem.)
• Sorbus carpatica (Andrz.)
• Aria chamaemespilus ((L.) Host)
• Sorbus pilosula (Gand.)
• Prunus chamaemespilus ((L.) Sm.)
• Sorbus chamaemespilus ((L.) Crantz)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 17, 2012 by Marcel Ambühl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Villaronga Lorenzo Lois Antón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Pescador María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2017 by François Munoz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by viandantew viandantew (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Karl Spycher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2020 by Aurore Garnavault Blanchard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by blandine vacherot (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 1, 2013 by Tela Botanica − La Spada ARTURO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by S G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Lutz Levente (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Pescador María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2020 by Plantagramm (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3025093)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:962563-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sorbus chamaemespilus (L.) Crantz)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3012470)

Specifications

Growth