Haller’s sermountain (Laserpitium halleri, Cl. Umbell. Emend.: 67 (1767))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: Crantz

Bibliography: Cl. Umbell. Emend.: 67 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Laserpitium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alps

Description

Haller’s sermountain, scientifically known as Laserpitium halleri, is a notable member of the Apiaceae family, a diverse group also known as the carrot, or Umbelliferae, family. First described by the botanist Crantz in 1767 in his work “Cl. Umbell. Emend.,” this plant is recognized for its distinctive botanical features and its habitat in the alpine regions.

Found primarily in the high-altitude environments of the Alps, Haller’s sermountain thrives in mountainous terrains, where it contributes to the rich tapestry of alpine flora. These regions, characterized by their rugged landscapes and extreme climatic conditions, provide a unique ecosystem where only specialized plants such as Laserpitium halleri can flourish. The plant has adapted well to these conditions, demonstrating resilience and a remarkable ability to survive in less hospitable climates.

Like other members of the Apiaceae family, Haller’s sermountain is distinguished by its umbels, a cluster of flowers with stalks of almost equal length that spread from a common center, resembling an umbrella. This flowering pattern not only adds to the visual appeal of the plant but also plays a crucial role in its reproductive strategy, attracting a variety of pollinators necessary for its survival.

The botanical architecture of Laserpitium halleri is defined by its finely divided leaves, which are typical of many Apiaceae members, providing both aesthetic value and functional adaptation to the often unpredictable alpine weather. These leaves help reduce water loss and protect the plant from the intense sunlight and cold winds characteristic of its high-altitude environment.

In summary, Haller’s sermountain stands out as a remarkable species within the Apiaceae family, known for its aesthetic floral structures and its ability to thrive in the challenging conditions of the Alps. Its botanical interactions and adaptive strategies offer valuable insights into the diversity and complexity of alpine ecology.

Common Names

Swe: alpspenört
En: Haller’s Sermountain
Nl: Haller’s Laserkruid
Fr: Laser de Haller
De: Hallers Laserkraut
It: Laserpizio di Haller
Sv: Alpspenört
: Haller’s sermountain

Synonyms

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 22, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

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

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3630142)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:844019-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Laserpitium halleri Crantz)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2