Hairy saxifrage (Saxifraga pubescens, Mém. Acad. Sci. Toulouse 3: 327 (1788))

Family: Saxifragaceae

Author: Pourr.

Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Sci. Toulouse 3: 327 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Saxifraga

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Pyrenees

Description

Hairy saxifrage, scientifically known as Saxifraga pubescens, is a distinctive and captivating plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. The plant was first described in 1788 by the botanist Pourret, and its description was included in the memoirs of the Academy of Sciences of Toulouse.

This species is primarily observed in the Eastern Pyrenees, a rugged mountain range that stretches along the border between France and Spain. The environment in this region is characterized by its alpine and subalpine climates, which provide the perfect conditions for Saxifraga pubescens to thrive.

The hairy saxifrage is distinguished by its unique morphology. The plant has notably pubescent, or hairy, leaves and stems, a feature that gives it both its common and scientific names. These hairs can play a crucial role in reducing water loss and providing some protection against the harsh sunlight and cold temperatures typical of the high-altitude habitats where the plant grows.

As part of the broader Saxifragaceae family, Saxifraga pubescens shares many of the family’s common traits, such as a preference for rocky substrates and a high tolerance for harsh environmental conditions. These adaptations allow the plant to flourish in the nutrient-poor soils and exposed conditions of its native habitat, often found on cliffs and rock crevices.

Given its specific provenience and unique characteristics, Saxifraga pubescens holds significant interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its presence in the Eastern Pyrenees makes it a noteworthy subject of study in terms of plant adaptation and survival in alpine environments.

The first formal documentation of hairy saxifrage dates back to 1788 in the publication “Mémoires de l’Académie des Sciences de Toulouse,” highlighting its historical importance and long-standing recognition within the scientific community.

Common Names

En: Hairy Saxifrage
Ca: Saxífraga pubescent
Fr: Saxifrage pubescente
: Hairy saxifrage

Synonyms

• Saxifraga exarata var. pubescens ((Pourr.) Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Saxifraga nervosa subsp. pubescens ((Pourr.) Bonnier & Layens)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 24, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Joceline CHAPPERT-BESSIERE (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 29, 2019 by Fountain Roderick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2021 by t k (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Arch Stanton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by mike (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2017 by Qt Lucian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Bark

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

© 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/3755377)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:794350-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga pubescens Pourr.)

Specifications

Growth