Hedgehog-broom (Erinacea anthyllis, Handbuch 2: 156 (1831))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Link

Bibliography: Handbuch 2: 156 (1831)

Year: 1831

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erinacea

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Medit.

Description

The plant commonly known as Hedgehog-broom, scientifically referred to as Erinacea anthyllis, is a captivating member of the Fabaceae family. First described by the botanist Link in 1831 as documented in “Handbuch 2: 156,” this species displays a unique set of characteristics that make it stand out in its native habitat.

Erinacea anthyllis is predominantly found in the Western Mediterranean region, showcasing its adaptability to the climate and environmental conditions of this area. The plant’s noteworthy morphological feature is its compact, spiny appearance, reminiscent of a hedgehog, which gives it its common name. The dense, thorny branches provide a protective barrier, deterring herbivores and creating a sanctuary for small wildlife.

The foliage of the Hedgehog-broom is equally fascinating, with small, bipinnate leaves that are both intricate and resilient. During the blooming season, Erinacea anthyllis produces an array of striking, bright blue to violet flowers, which contribute not only to its aesthetic appeal but also to its ecological role as a pollinator attractor.

The Hedgehog-broom has adapted well to rocky and calcareous soils typically found within its Mediterranean range, often thriving in areas where other plants struggle. Its resilience and ability to endure harsh conditions, including drought, make it a valuable subject of study for botanists and ecologists interested in plant survival and adaptation mechanisms.

In conclusion, Erinacea anthyllis, or Hedgehog-broom, is a remarkable plant with its distinctive spiny form and vibrant blossoms. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it contributes to the rich biodiversity of the Western Mediterranean, embodying the intricate relationship between flora and environment in this region.

Common Names

Eng: hedgehog-broom
Swe: igelkottsginst
En: Hedgehog-broom
Ca: Coixí de senyora, Coixinet de pastor, Eriçó
Fr: Cytise hérisson, Genêt bleu, Genêt-hérisson
De: Igelginster, Blauer Stachelginster
Es: Aulaga merina, Cojín de Pastor, Erizo, Piorno azul, Tollaga
Sv: Igelkottsginst

Synonyms

• Erinacea pungens (Boiss.)
• Erinacea erinacea ((L.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Anthyllis erinacea (L.)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Hannah Fuduric (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by Mora Murillo Juan José Mora Murillo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 1998 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Llauradó Josep Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Victoria eutopa (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by M. R. Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Victoria eutopa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Manuel Ortiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Manuel Ortiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by deborafg (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 26, 2022 by Ismael Pozuelo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2019 by Diego Nieto Lugilde (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Sue (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Guaita Raquel (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Bart van Ulden (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 13, 2022 by Ivan Hoe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Андрей Кураков (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 21, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Eduard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© 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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:493956-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2977757)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erinacea anthyllis Link)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 4