Five-anther corn spurrey (Spergula pentandra, Sp. Pl.: 440 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 440 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spergula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., C. Europe to Medit.

Description

The Five-anther corn spurrey, scientifically known as Spergula pentandra, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. This species was first described in 1753, and since then, it has been recognized for its unique botanical characteristics and geographical distribution.

Native to a diverse range of regions, the Five-anther corn spurrey can primarily be found throughout Central Europe, extending its presence all the way to the Mediterranean areas. It has also been observed in the Canary Islands, showcasing its adaptability to various climates and environments.

Spergula pentandra is distinguished by its five prominent anthers, a feature that not only contributes to its common name but also plays a crucial role in its reproductive process. This plant stands out within its family for its specific floral structure and the intricate details that define its reproduction.

The historical and botanical significance of the Five-anther corn spurrey lies in its enduring presence across different landscapes and its ability to thrive in different environmental conditions. Its mention in important botanical literature further underscores its relevance and the interest it has garnered among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Understanding the distribution and characteristics of Spergula pentandra provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Its role within the ecosystem, along with the unique aspects of its morphology, makes it a subject of continuous study and admiration in the field of botany.

Common Names

Spa: esparcilla macho
Deu: fünfmänniger spark, fünfmänniger spörgel
Eng: wingstem spurry, five-anther corn spurrey, five-anther spurrey, wingstem spurrey
En: Five-anther corn spurrey, Five-anther spurrey, Wingstem spurrey, Wingstem spurry
Ca: Espèrgula pentandra
Nl: Vijfhelmige spurrie
Fr: Spargoute à cinq étamines, Spergule à cinq étamines, Espargoutte à cinq étamines
De: Fünfmänniger Spark, Fünfmänniger Spörgel
It: Renaiola a 5 stami, Renaiola a cinque stami
Es: Esparcilla macho

Synonyms

• Stipularia pentandra ((L.) Edgew.)
• Spergula vernalis var. pentandra ((L.) Samp.)
• Spergula pentandra subsp. vernalis (Corb.)
• Spergularia arvensis var. geniculata ((Pers.) G.Don)
• Spergula arvensis var. pentandra ((L.) Wahlenb.)
• Spergula pentandra var. punctata (Cout.)
• Spergula vernalis (Willd.)
• Alsine pentandra ((L.) Crantz)
• Spergula pentandra var. minor (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Spergula pentandra var. major (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Stellaria pentandra ((L.) Scop.)
• Spergularia pentandra ((L.) G.Don)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 7, 2020 by Xavier Mazzucco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Agnieszka Szymkiewicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by Hermann jun. Kanzler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2020 by Stéphanie B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Jose Walk (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Gabumon666 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Ekodama (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2020 by Corey Roy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2020 by Simone (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by fer Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Dec 31, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© 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/3085814)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:158786-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spergula pentandra L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’]