Kerner’s lousewort (Pedicularis kerneri, Anleit. Beob. Alpenpfl.: 176 (1882))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: Dalla Torre

Bibliography: Anleit. Beob. Alpenpfl.: 176 (1882)

Year: 1882

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pedicularis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Pyrenees, Alps

Description

Kerner’s lousewort, scientifically known as Pedicularis kerneri, is a captivating plant species belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. First detailed in 1882 by the eminent botanist Dalla Torre in his pioneering work Anleit. Beob. Alpenpfl., this particular species has garnered attention for its unique characteristics and adaptability to alpine environments.

The natural habitat of Kerner’s lousewort spans the majestic Pyrenees and the sprawling Alps, where it thrives in the challenging conditions of high altitudes. These rugged mountain ranges offer a glimpse into the plant’s resilience and the specialized niches it occupies.

Pedicularis kerneri exhibits a delicate yet hardy nature, typical of alpine flora, which must withstand extreme temperature variations, intense sunlight, and limited soil nutrients. The visual appeal of this plant, with its intricate flowers and lush foliage, draws interest not just from botanists but also from nature enthusiasts and hikers journeying through these mountain landscapes.

In its ecological context, Kerner’s lousewort plays a crucial role in the alpine ecosystem. Like other members of the Orobanchaceae family, it possesses hemiparasitic capabilities, allowing it to tap into the root systems of neighboring plants to supplement its nutrient intake. This relationship is a key factor in its survival and success in the nutrient-poor soils often found at high elevations.

The botanical significance of Pedicularis kerneri extends beyond its ecological interactions. Studying this plant can provide insights into the evolutionary adaptations that enable survival in extreme environments, a topic of immense interest in the field of botany and ecological research.

For any dedicated botanist or plant lover, Kerner’s lousewort offers a fascinating subject of study, reflecting the awe-inspiring complexity and beauty of alpine plant life.

Common Names

En: Kerner’s lousewort
Nl: Kerners Kartelblad
Fr: Pédiculaire de Kerner
De: Bündner Läusekraut, Kerners Läusekraut
It: Pedicolare di Kerner

Synonyms

• Pedicularis kerneri f. marinae (Pînzaru)
• Pedicularis rhaetica (A.Kern.)
• Pedicularis rostrata var. caespitosa (Sieber ex Rchb.)
• Pedicularis rhaetica var. pauciflora ((Steininger) Rouy)
• Pedicularis rhaetica var. magna ((Steininger) Rouy)
• Pedicularis caespitosa f. magna (Steininger)
• Pedicularis caespitosa f. pauciflora (Steininger)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 12, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Andre Kamptner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Béatrice Escande (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3742130)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:807215-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis kerneri Dalla Torre)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 1