Ground-pine germander (Teucrium pseudochamaepitys, Sp. Pl.: 562 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 562 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Teucrium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. Medit.

Description

Ground-pine germander, scientifically known as Teucrium pseudochamaepitys, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. First described in 1753 by the botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum, it boasts a rich historical context within botanical literature.

Primarily found in the Western Mediterranean region, Ground-pine germander thrives in the unique climate and soils of this area, contributing to its distinctive characteristics and ecological role. The plant often grows in rocky, well-drained locations, where it can maximize its adaptation strategies to survive in sometimes harsh Mediterranean environments.

This perennial herb is notable for its aromatic qualities, which have made it a subject of interest for both botanists and horticulturists. Its foliage is finely dissected, resembling that of pine trees, which is likely how it earned its common name. The leaves and stems of Teucrium pseudochamaepitys emit a pleasant scent when crushed, adding to its appeal in gardens and natural settings.

The flowering period of Ground-pine germander presents a beautiful spectacle, as it produces spikes of small but vibrant flowers. These flowers, typically blossoming in hues of yellow or purple, attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a crucial role in local ecosystems. The plant not only enhances the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits but also supports the health of pollinator populations.

As a member of the Lamiaceae family, Teucrium pseudochamaepitys shares several traits with its relatives, including a square stem and oppositely arranged leaves. It is an excellent example of the diversity within this family, demonstrating both unique and common features that make it a valuable subject for study in plant science.

Ground-pine germander holds potential for use in horticulture due to its resilience and ornamental qualities. It is sometimes cultivated as a ground cover or for its foliage, which can add texture and fragrance to garden landscapes.

In summary, Teucrium pseudochamaepitys, or Ground-pine germander, is a noteworthy plant with significant ecological and horticultural value. Its presence in the Western Mediterranean highlights the region’s biodiversity and the intricate relationships within its ecosystems.

Common Names

En: Ground-pine Germander
Ca: Iva borda
Fr: Germandrée à allure de Pin, Germandrée faux petit-pin, Germandrée faux petit pin
Sk: Hrdobarka obyčajná
Es: Hierba de la cruz, Pinillo bastardo, Pinillo falso

Synonyms

• Teucrium pseudochamaepitys var. glabrum (Sennen)
• Teucrium nissolianum (L.)
• Teucrium mauritanum (L.)
• Chamaedrys nissoliana ((L.) Raf.)
• Teucrium pseudochamaepitys var. nissolianum ((L.) Nyman)
• Teucrium pseudopitys (Houtt.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (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.

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

Flower

Taken Mar 21, 2021 by Rosa GM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Fresquita Palangana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Fresquita Palangana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Fresquita Palangana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2017 by Javier Hormigos (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Raúl (Este Madrid) (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 1, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 22, 2017 by Pedro Salgadinho (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2019 by fabricekx (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3894066)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:460642-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Teucrium pseudochamaepitys L.)

Specifications

Growth