Jupiter’s-beard (Anthyllis barba-jovis, Sp. Pl.: 720 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 720 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anthyllis

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Medit.

Description

Jupiter’s-beard, known scientifically as Anthyllis barba-jovis, is a remarkable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. The designation of its scientific name was first recorded in 1753. Throughout the centuries, this plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, thanks to its unique characteristics and Mediterranean heritage.

This perennial shrub is primarily found in the western and central regions of the Mediterranean. It thrives in rocky, coastal habitats, where it endures the challenging conditions of salt spray and wind. Jupiter’s-beard is particularly noted for its resilience and adaptability, making it a fascinating subject of study for those interested in plant survival mechanisms in harsh environments.

The plant itself is easily recognizable due to its distinctive appearance. It typically grows to a height of about 1 to 1.5 meters, forming dense, bushy clumps. The leaves are silky and silver-gray, lending the plant a soft, almost ethereal quality that contrasts strikingly with the rugged terrains it often inhabits. The pinnate leaves are an adaptation to its Mediterranean home, reducing water loss in the hot, dry climate.

Jupiter’s-beard blooms in the spring and throughout the summer, producing clusters of small, bright yellow flowers. These flowers not only add a splash of color to the typically subdued Mediterranean landscape but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, which are vital for the pollination of other plants in the area.

In addition to its ecological value, Anthyllis barba-jovis holds a place in traditional Mediterranean medicine. While specific historical records are limited, it is known that various parts of the plant were used to treat a range of ailments, leveraging its natural properties.

The etymology of “Jupiter’s-beard” alludes to its luxuriant, bushy appearance, reminiscent of the mythical god Jupiter’s beard. This poetic name highlights the plant’s striking, almost divine beauty.

In summary, Jupiter’s-beard (Anthyllis barba-jovis) is a plant of both aesthetic and ecological significance. Its enduring presence in the Mediterranean landscape is a testament to nature’s adaptability and the intricate ways plants can thrive in symbiosis with their environments.

Common Names

Eng: jupiter’s-beard
Deu: jupiters bart
Swe: jupiters skägg
En: Jupiter’s-beard
Ca: Barbajovis
Fi: Partamasmalo
Fr: Anthyllide barbe-de-Jupiter, Anthyllis barbe-de-Jupiter, Barbe-de-Jupiter, Arbuste d’argent, Barbe de Jupiter
De: Jupiters Bart
It: Vulneraria barba di Giove, Vulneraria barba-di-Giove
Sv: Jupiters skägg

Synonyms

• Anthyllis argentea (Salisb.)
• Barba-jovis argyrophylla (Moench)
• Vulneraria barba-jovis ((L.) Link)
• Vulneraria argentea (Lam.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Libya (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 15, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2017 by Odile Sgard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Daniela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2017 by christophe gorla (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Pierre MANGIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by bastien francois (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by paul wood (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by jacopo jacopo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (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/5352463)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:474645-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anthyllis barba-jovis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 6

Soil salinity: 6