Lesser masterwort (Astrantia minor, Sp. Pl.: 235 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 235 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Astrantia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Pyrenees, SW. Alps, N. Appennini

Description

Lesser masterwort, scientifically known as Astrantia minor, is a captivating plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. First documented in 1753 by L., this species has earned its place in botanical literature, notably in the historic text, Sp. Pl.: 235.

This remarkable plant is predominantly found in several European mountain ranges, including the Pyrenees, the southwestern Alps, and the northern Apennines. Lesser masterwort thrives in these regions, showcasing its adaptive capabilities to varied but specific alpine and sub-alpine habitats.

Astrantia minor presents a delicate yet resilient structure characteristic of the Apiaceae family. Its unique floral arrangements and foliage make it a point of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike. The plant typically favors well-drained soils and can often be spotted gracing meadows and woodland clearings where sunlight pierces through.

The flowers of the lesser masterwort are especially noteworthy. They form umbels, a common trait within their family, and exhibit a subtle beauty that contrasts with the rough terrain they often inhabit. Each umbel consists of small, star-shaped flowers that together create an intricate and attractive display, making the plant an understated jewel of its natural locales.

Understanding the growth conditions and botanical characteristics of Astrantia minor can provide valuable insights for those interested in alpine flora. Its presence in such diverse yet specific locations underscores the ecological adaptations that perennial plants undergo to survive in mountain environments.

In conclusion, lesser masterwort (Astrantia minor) is a distinguished member of the Apiaceae family with a defined presence in prominent European mountain ranges. Its historical documentation and botanical characteristics make it a significant species for study in the fields of botany and ecology.

Common Names

Deu: kleine sterndolde
Eng: lesser masterwort
Swe: liten stjärnflocka
En: Lesser masterwort
Cs: Jarmanka
Fr: Petite Astrance, Petite Astrantie, Petite Radiaire, Sanicle de montagne
De: Kleine Sterndolde
It: Astranzia minore
Fa: ستاره‌گون کهتر
Sv: Liten stjärnflocka

Synonyms

• Astrantia major subsp. minor ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Astrantia digitata (Moench)
• Astrantia alpoina (Clairv.)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 19, 2021 by Aad Kop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by jus ohp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Kerrilee Barrett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Imma Llarden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Isabelle Gabisson (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Anne Simonin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Amez Leopoldo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2020 by Jeannette-Marie Tesch (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7756318)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:838344-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Astrantia minor L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3