Fine-leaf fumitory (Fumaria parviflora, Encycl. 2: 567 (1788))

Family: Papaveraceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 2: 567 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Fumaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe, Medit. to Pakistan

Description

Fine-leaf fumitory, known scientifically as Fumaria parviflora, is a captivating species within the family Papaveraceae. This delicate herb has long been noted in botanical literature, first documented in 1788 by the botanist Lam. Famed for its ubiquity and resilience, the Fine-leaf fumitory has carved a niche for itself across a vast geographic expanse ranging from Western Europe and the Mediterranean region, extending as far east as Pakistan.

Characteristically, Fumaria parviflora is recognized for its fine, feathery foliage that adds a lace-like texture to its appearance. The plant typically features slender, branched stems with intricately divided leaves, embodying an elegant silhouette. The blossoms of the Fine-leaf fumitory are small yet charming, usually exhibiting pale pink to white hues with slightly darker tips, which collectively form understated yet attractive inflorescences.

In terms of habitat, the Fine-leaf fumitory is quite versatile, thriving in a variety of environments. It often favors open fields, gardens, and cultivated lands, where it can sometimes be seen as a modest but persistent presence. The plant’s preference for temperate climates explains its extensive distribution across the western and central parts of Europe, as well as its adaptability to the Mediterranean basin and South Asian terrains.

Historically esteemed for its potential medicinal qualities, Fumaria parviflora has been part of traditional herbal practices. It is reputed to possess diuretic and detoxifying properties, with various preparations of the plant being used in phytotherapy. However, any medicinal use should be approached with caution and professional consultation, considering the intricacies of plant-based treatments and their interactions.

In conclusion, the Fine-leaf fumitory stands as a testament to the diversity and adaptability within the Papaveraceae family. From its aesthetic appeal in natural landscapes to its presence in historical herbal lore, Fumaria parviflora continues to be a subject of interest both for botanists and enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: fine-leaved fumitory, fineleaf fumitory, indian fumitory, fine-leaf fumitory, small-flower fumitory, small-flowered fumitory
Deu: kleinblütiger erdrauch
Spa: pamplina menuda
Dan: småblomstret jordrøg
Ces: zemědým malokvětý
Nld: kleine duivenkervel
Swe: småblommig jordrök
Cym: mwg y ddaear manflodeuog, mwg-y-ddaear mân-flodeuog
En: Fine-leaf fumitory, Indian fumitory, Small-flower fumitory, Fineleaf fumitory, Fine-leaved Fumitory, Small-Flowered Fumitory
Ca: Fumària de flor menuda
Cs: Zemědým malokvětý
Da: Småblomstret jordrøg
Nl: Kleine duivekervel, Kleine duivenkervel
Fi: Putkiliuskaemäkki
Fr: Fumeterre à petites fleurs
De: Kleinblütiger Erdrauch
He: עשנן קטן
It: Fumaria a fiore piccolo
Fa: شاه‌تره گل‌ریز
Es: Pamplina menuda, Palomita menuda
Sv: Småblommig jordrök
Zh-tw: 小花球果紫菫
Ur: شاہترہ
Cy: Mwg-y-ddaear mân-flodeuog, Mwg y Ddaear Manflodeuog

Synonyms

• Fumaria vaillantii subsp. parviflora ((Lam.) Corb.)
• Fumaria officinalis var. parviflora ((Lam.) Ewart)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Apr 7, 2016 by EOL − Dean Wm. Taylor (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Lars Mannzen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 22, 2018 by Ricardo Aperador Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Laureline Petit-Bagnard (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Dec 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre CROUZET (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2022 by autumn ayer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by David Fangataufa (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by Ийсимхан (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by _p (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (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/5334215)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:673065-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Fumaria parviflora Lam.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 6