Gesporntes veilchen (Viola calcarata, Sp. Pl.: 935 (1753))

Family: Violaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 935 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Viola

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. France (S. Jura) to Alps

Description

The Gesporntes Veilchen, known scientifically as Viola calcarata, is a remarkable plant species within the family Violaceae. This delicate yet captivating plant can be predominantly found stretching from eastern France, particularly in the South Jura region, all the way to the magnificent Alps.

Viola calcarata, first described and cataloged by L. in 1753 in Species Plantarum (p. 935), is lauded for its spur-like structure, which is implied by its common name, Gesporntes Veilchen. The name itself conjures an image of the plant’s elegant flower morphology that comprises a prominent spur at the rear of its blooms.

These perennial herbs are well-adapted to their mountainous habitats, flourishing in meadows and rocky terrains where the environment ensures the drainage and nutrition needed for their growth. The vibrant flowers of Gesporntes Veilchen exhibit hues ranging from deep violet to lighter lavender and occasionally present in white, each blossom contributing to the scenic beauty of its natural setting.

A noteworthy feature of Viola calcarata includes its genetic diversity and adaptability, which allow it to thrive in varying altitudes and climatic conditions prevalent across the Jura and Alpine regions. This characteristic not only makes the Gesporntes Veilchen a subject of botanical curiosity but also emphasizes its role in local ecosystems where it aids in maintaining biodiversity.

The plant’s aesthetic appeal combined with its robust nature underscores its significance both scientifically and horticulturally. For botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, Viola calcarata remains a species well-worth studying and conserving, as it illustrates the intricate beauty and resilience of flora native to Europe’s renowned mountain ranges.

Common Names

Deu: gesporntes veilchen, gesporntes stiefmütterchen, langsporniges veilchen
Swe: sporrviol
En: Gesporntes Veilchen, Alpine Pansy, Long-spurred Pansy
Ar: بنفسج مهمازي
Nl: Langsporig viooltje, Langgespoord Viooltje
Fr: Pensée des Alpes, Pensée éperonnée
De: Sporn-Stiefmütterchen, Gesporntes Veilchen, Gesporntes Stiefmütterchen, Langsporniges Veilchen, Berggilge, Kalk Veilchen, Langsporniges Stiefmütterchen
It: Viola con sperone
Oc: Pensada dels Aups
Fa: بنفشه مهمیز بلند
Sr: Вулфенова љубичица
Es: Violeta de espolón largo
Sv: Sporrviol

Synonyms

• Mnemion calcaratum ((L.) Spach)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 20, 2018 by Noël Ducrot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 23, 2021 by francesca (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2013 by Lennart Agestam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Boller Beat (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2015 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Andrea Schieber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:867819-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7296469)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viola calcarata L.)

Specifications

Growth