Kernera (Kernera saxatilis, Hort. Brit.: 467 (1826))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) Sweet

Bibliography: Hort. Brit.: 467 (1826)

Year: 1826

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kernera

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. & E. Spain to Romania

Description

Kernera (Kernera saxatilis)

Kernera, scientifically named Kernera saxatilis, is a notable species within the family Brassicaceae. First described in the early 19th century, with its detailed classification published in “Hortus Britannicus” in 1826, this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike ever since.

This resilient herbaceous plant thrives across diverse terrains, primarily spanning Northern and Eastern Spain and extending towards Romania. Kernera saxatilis is adapted to rocky landscapes, often found in crevices and on rocky slopes, reflecting its Latin-derived name ‘saxatilis’, which means ‘growing among rocks.’

The observations of Kernera saxatilis in its natural habitat highlight its ability to sustain itself in less fertile soils where few other species can survive. Its unique adaptation mechanisms and robust nature make it a subject of interest in botanical studies focusing on plant survival in challenging environments.

Belonging to the family Brassicaceae, which includes well-known species like cabbages, mustards, and radishes, Kernera shares some familial characteristics such as the arrangement of its flowers and seed pods. Its blooms, usually white or pale pink, form small, clustered inflorescences that add a touch of delicate beauty to its rugged surroundings.

The early classification and detailed botanical work by the author, denoted as (L.) Sweet, contribute significantly to our understanding of this species. These foundational descriptions have paved the way for further research and conservation efforts aimed at preserving the diverse flora of Europe.

In summary, Kernera saxatilis stands out as a symbol of nature’s resilience and adaptability. Its presence from Northern Spain to Romania underscores a broad ecological range, making it an important species for studying plant adaptation and survival in rocky and arid conditions.

Common Names

Deu: felsen-kugelschötchen
En: Kernera
Nl: Rotskernera
Fr: Kernère des rochers, Kernérie des rochers, Kernéra des rochers
De: Felsen-Kugelschötchen, Kugelschötchen
It: Coclearia delle rupi

Synonyms

• Kernera saxatilis var. hispanica (Pau)
• Camelina saxatilis ((L.) Pers.)
• Myagrum saxatile ((L.) L.)
• Cochlearia saxatilis (L.)
• Crucifera kernera (E.H.L.Krause)
• Nasturtium saxatile ((L.) Crantz)
• Gonyclisia saxatilis ((L.) Dulac)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Steve LE BRIQUIR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Steve LE BRIQUIR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jul 4, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2009 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)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5374828)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:941444-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kernera saxatilis (L.) Sweet)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2