Family: Amaranthaceae
Author: A.Braun ex Bogenh.
Bibliography: Flora 24: 151 (1841)
Year: 1841
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Polycnemum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to NW. Türkiye and C. Asia
Description
The Giant Needleleaf, scientifically known as Polycnemum majus, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. This resilient species is characterized by its slender and elongated needle-like leaves which contribute to its common name.
Renowned botanist A. Braun, in collaboration with Bogenh., first described the plant in an influential botanical reference, Flora, published in 1841. Their comprehensive documentation has served as a cornerstone in the study of Polycnemum majus, highlighting its unique properties and distinguishing features.
Geographically, the Giant Needleleaf thrives across a wide range extending from Europe to northwestern Türkiye and central Asia. This broad habitat range is a testament to the plant’s adaptability and robust nature, allowing it to flourish in diverse climatic conditions.
Polycnemum majus is a species that captivates botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, owing to its distinct morphology and expansive geographical presence. Whether you encounter this plant in European meadows, the rugged terrains of Türkiye, or the varied landscapes of central Asia, it stands out as a notable member of the Amaranthaceae family.
Common Names
Pol: chrząstkowiec większy
Eng: giant needleleaf
Deu: großes knorpelkraut
Ces: chruplavník větší
Nld: knarkruid
Fra: grand polycnème
Swe: stor broskört
En: Giant needleleaf
Cs: Chruplavník větší
Nl: Knarkruid
Fr: Grand polycnème, Grand Polycnémum
De: Großes Knorpelkraut
It: Canforata maggiore
Pl: Chrząstkowiec większy
Sv: Stor broskört
Synonyms
- Polycnemum arvense var. pinifolium (Rchb.)
- Polycnemum majus var. humilius (Bogenh.)
- Polycnemum arvense subsp. majus ((A.Braun) Čelak.)
- Polycnemum majus subsp. mediterraneum ((Beck) E.V.Vulf)
- Polycnemum arvense var. maximum (Bogenh.)
- Polycnemum arvense var. simplex (Wallr.)
- Polycnemum arvense var. majus ((A.Braun) K.F.Schimp. ex Döll)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Manon Bounous (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Rul Rus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Khizra Malik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 13, 2018 by peyroutet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Habit
Taken Aug 2, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Christophe GIROD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Christophe GIROD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6447704)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:328136-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polycnemum majus A.Braun)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 3
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 5