Hairless catchfly (Silene behen, Sp. Pl.: 418 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 418 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit.

Description

Hairless catchfly, scientifically known as Silene behen, is a fascinating plant species classified within the Caryophyllaceae family. Described first by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, the species was officially documented in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” published in the year 1753.

This perennial herbaceous plant is recognized for its unique botanical features, originating predominantly in the regions of Macaronesia and the Mediterranean. Characterized by its lack of hair on the stems and leaves, the Hairless catchfly distinguishes itself from other members of the Silene genus. It typically exhibits smooth, glabrous surfaces which are both visually striking and functionally significant for its adaptation to the Mediterranean climate.

Silene behen thrives in its native habitat, where the ecological conditions are ideal for its growth and development. The plant is well-adapted to withstand the dry, often rocky terrains of its distribution range. Its flowers, which usually bloom in the early summer, are not only visually appealing but also contribute to the local biodiversity by providing nectar for pollinators.

The Hairless catchfly plays a noteworthy role in its ecosystem. Its presence in the Mediterranean region and Macaronesia adds to the endemic plant diversity crucial for maintaining the ecological balance. Efforts to study and preserve Silene behen are essential, as they offer insights into the resilience and adaptability of plant species in diverse and often harsh environments.

In summary, Silene behen is an exemplary species within its genus, illustrating the rich botanical heritage described by Linnaeus. Its smooth, hairless characteristics and its significant ecological contributions make the Hairless catchfly a subject of interest for botanists and environmentalists alike.

Common Names

Spa: conejera cascabelilla
Deu: haarloses leimkraut
Eng: hairless catchfly
En: Hairless Catchfly
De: Haarloses Leimkraut
He: ציפורנית כרסנית
It: Silene rigonfia
Es: Conejera cascabelilla
: Hairless catchfly

Synonyms

• Silene ambigua (Salisb.)
• Ebraxis behen ((L.) Tzvelev)
• Heliosperma carpaticum ((Zapał.) Klokov)
• Oberna behen var. carpatica ((Zapał.) Fedor.)
• Silene ignobilis (Lowe)
• Oberna carpatica ((Zapał.) Czerep.)
• Oberna behen subsp. carpatica ((Zapał.) Tzvelev)
• Ixoca carpatica ((Zapał.) Ikonn.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Sardegna (introduced)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by jacques maréchal (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by jacques maréchal (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by jacques maréchal (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 28, 2022 by Karina K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Aris Pant (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (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/7523432)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:156910-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silene behen L.)

Specifications

Growth