Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1026 (1759)
Year: 1759
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Saxifraga
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. France to NW. Italy
Description
Lesser londonpride, scientifically known as Saxifraga cuneifolia, is a fascinating and resilient member of the Saxifragaceae family. This attractive perennial herb has garnered attention for its ability to thrive in the scenic yet challenging environments of southeastern France and northwestern Italy.
First officially described in 1759, this plant has long captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts. The description was formalized in the renowned publication “Systema Naturae” (10th Edition, Volume 2), a cornerstone work attributed to the celebrated botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Characterized by its rugged beauty, Lesser londonpride boasts serrated leaves that are typically arranged in a compact, rosette formation. The leaves are often wedge-shaped, giving the plant its specific epithet “cuneifolia,” which is derived from the Latin words for “wedge” and “leaf.” This distinctive leaf morphology not only aids in identification but also contributes to the plant’s adaptability to rocky and stony habitats.
In its native range, Lesser londonpride often embellishes the high-altitude rocky terrains and crevices, where it can form dense mats or tufts. The plant’s modest yet charming flowers, generally white or pale pink with delicate veining, bloom in clusters on slender stems that rise above the leafy base. This flowering habit adds a subtle yet delightful splash of color to the rugged landscapes it inhabits.
Ecologically, Saxifraga cuneifolia plays a crucial role in its environment. It often acts as a pioneer species in its rocky alpine ecosystem, stabilizing soil and providing cover where few other species can thrive. Additionally, its delicate blooms attract pollinators, thereby supporting the local biodiversity.
For garden enthusiasts looking to add a touch of alpine charm and resilience to their rock gardens or shaded borders, Lesser londonpride offers an excellent choice. It prefers well-drained soil and can often flourish in partial shade, mimicking its natural alpine conditions. Its ability to withstand both drought and cold conditions makes it a valuable addition to gardens in similar temperate regions.
In summary, Lesser londonpride is not just a botanical curiosity but a testament to the beauty and resilience of alpine flora. With its distinctive foliage, charming flowers, and robust nature, Saxifraga cuneifolia continues to be a cherished subject of study and admiration in both natural and cultivated landscapes.
Common Names
Deu: keilblättriger steinbrech
Eng: lesser londonpride, lesser london pride
Ces: lomikámen klínolistý
Swe: slöjbräcka
Cym: tormaen llwy-ddeiliog
En: Lesser Londonpride, Lesser London Pride
Cs: Lomikámen klínolistý
Fr: Désespoir du peintre, Saxifrage à feuilles en coin
De: Keilblatt-Steinbrech, Keilblättriger Steinbrech
It: Sassifraga a foglie cuneate
Sv: Slöjbräcka
Cy: Tormaen llwy-ddeiliog
: Lesser londonpride
Synonyms
- Hydatica cuneifolia ((L.) Raf.)
- Robertsonia cuneifolia ((L.) Haw.)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Romania (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Fab’z Tarah (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2016 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 3, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Klaus Barth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2022 by Leeanne Kemp (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2019 by roswithaschultz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 22, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 24, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 1, 2021 by nimye (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Nov 25, 2020 by Salvini Marcelo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Olivier Hillorion (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/7663587)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:793511-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga cuneifolia L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.0
Ph minimum: 4.5
Light: 4
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Soil nutriments: 3