Hairy sheepweed (Neatostema apulum, J. Arnold Arbor. 24: 6 (1953))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: (L.) I.M.Johnst.

Bibliography: J. Arnold Arbor. 24: 6 (1953)

Year: 1953

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Neatostema

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to Arabian Pen.

Description

Hairy sheepweed, known scientifically as Neatostema apulum, is a notable member of the Boraginaceae family. The plant was meticulously described and published in 1953 by J. Arnold Arbor, and its authorship is credited to the botanist (L.) I.M. Johnston.

This resilient plant is widely observed across diverse geographical regions, stretching from the Canary Islands, throughout the Mediterranean basin, and extending to the Arabian Peninsula. Its adaptability to various climates and terrains underscores its robust nature.

Characterized by its characteristically hairy stems and leaves, Neatostema apulum is well-suited to thrive in arid conditions. The plant’s unique texture contributes to its common name, “Hairy sheepweed.” These fine hairs are an adaptive trait, aiding in moisture retention and protection against herbivores.

Being a part of the Boraginaceae family, Hairy sheepweed shares common traits with other members, such as its inflorescence structure and floral characteristics. However, Neatostema apulum stands out due to its distinctive appearance and widespread distribution. The plant’s flowers are typically small but colorful, often found in shades of yellow, which attract various pollinators and add to the biodiversity of their habitats.

Hairy sheepweed has been studied not only for its horticultural value but also for its ecological significance. By occupying and thriving in relatively harsh environments, it contributes to soil stabilization and serves as a pioneer species in disturbed habitats. This makes it an excellent subject for further ecological and botanical studies.

In summary, Neatostema apulum, or Hairy sheepweed, is a fascinating plant species with a broad distribution from the Canary Islands to the Arabian Peninsula. Its unique characteristics and adaptive strategies make it a significant member of the Boraginaceae family, worthy of continued study and appreciation in the botanical world.

Common Names

Deu: apulischer steinsame
Spa: chupamiel dorado
Eng: hairy sheepweed
Swe: gulrast
En: Hairy sheepweed, Yellow Gromwell
Fr: Grémil des Pouilles, Grémil jaune, Grémil d’Apulie, Néatostème
De: Apulischer Steinsame
It: Erba-perla gialla
Es: Chupamiel dorado
Sv: Gulrast

Synonyms

• Rhytispermum apulum ((L.) Link)
• Lithospermum apulum f. cleistogamum (Murb.)
• Myosotis apula (L.)
• Margarospermum apulum ((L.) Spach)
• Lithospermum apulum var. tucakovii (Gajić)
• Lithospermum strigosum (M.Bieb.)
• Lithospermum mesopotamicum (DC.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuwait (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 2, 2011 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2020 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 18, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4061000)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:119330-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Neatostema apulum (L.) I.M.Johnst.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]