Field fumitory (Fumaria agraria, Gen. Sp. Pl.: 21 (1816))

Family: Papaveraceae

Author: Lag.

Bibliography: Gen. Sp. Pl.: 21 (1816)

Year: 1816

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Fumaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., W. & C. Medit.

Description

Field fumitory, known scientifically as Fumaria agraria, is a distinctive member of the Papaveraceae family. This plant, first described in 1816 by the botanist Lag., is notable for its presence in diverse geographical regions, including the Canary Islands as well as the western and central areas of the Mediterranean.

The Field fumitory typically thrives in temperate climates, often gracing fields, grasslands, and roadside verges with its delicate, fern-like foliage and small, tubular flowers. These flowers are usually a soft pink hue with hints of white, creating a subtle yet beautiful contrast against the green backdrop of its leaves.

An annual herb, Fumaria agraria showcases a unique adaptability to different soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich earth. Its ability to thrive in various environments makes it a resilient and widespread species within its native range.

The plant’s historical classification and botanical exploration date back to the early 19th century, specifically documented in the “Genera et Species Plantarum” where it was meticulously described. This early botanical work laid the foundation for future studies and appreciation of this species.

Field fumitory holds not only ecological importance but also cultural and medicinal significance in certain regions. In traditional practices, parts of the plant have been utilized for their purported health benefits, although modern use is less common.

In any botanical study of Mediterranean flora or the Canary Isles, Fumaria agraria is a noteworthy species due to its enduring presence and adaptation across several habitats.

Common Names

Fra: fumeterre des champs
En: Field fumitory
Fi: Espanjanemäkki
Fr: Fumeterre des champs
De: Ackererdrauch
It: Fumaria agraria
Es: Conejitos del campo

Synonyms

• Fumaria agraria var. beltranii (Sennen)
• Fumaria agraria var. mauritanica (Hausskn.)
• Fumaria embergeri (Pugsley)
• Fumaria agraria var. chilensis (Parl.)
• Fumaria agraria var. elata (Ball)
• Fumaria agraria subsp. embergeri ((Pugsley) Maire)
• Fumaria agraria var. maximilianii (Sennen)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile North (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by Josef Slepicka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by João Serra (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 22, 2020 by Katalea K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by ms ams (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Maza Daniel (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5531376)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:672858-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Fumaria agraria Lag.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 7