Mediterranean fleabane (Pulicaria odora, Fl. Germ. Excurs.: 239)

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Rchb.

Bibliography: Fl. Germ. Excurs.: 239

Year: 1831

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pulicaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is. (Gran Canaria), Medit.

Description

Mediterranean fleabane, scientifically known as Pulicaria odora, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant, with its distinctive characteristics and ecological importance, is native to regions such as the Canary Islands (particularly Gran Canaria) and the Mediterranean Basin.

Pulicaria odora is renowned for its aromatic properties, which is where it derives its name. Historically, its strong scent has been utilized for its insect-repelling qualities. The leaves and flowers emit a fragrance that is not only pleasant but also functional in reducing insect presence, making it a natural alternative to chemical repellents.

This perennial herb typically flourishes in sunny and dry environments, thriving well in the Mediterranean climate with its hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The plant’s resilience to harsh climates underlines its adaptability and hardiness.

Morphologically, Mediterranean fleabane displays typical characteristics of the Asteraceae family. Its bright yellow flowers are arranged in dense clusters, providing a vibrant splash of color in the wild landscapes where it grows. These flowers are not just visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity.

The foliage of Pulicaria odora is equally notable; its leaves are narrow, elongated, and often have a slightly sticky texture due to the presence of glandular trichomes that produce the plant’s aromatic oils. These oils have been the subject of various studies, which have suggested potential medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Conservation of Pulicaria odora is significant in maintaining the ecological balance in its native regions. As it contributes to the environment by providing habitat and food for various pollinators, efforts to protect and preserve this plant can have far-reaching positive effects on local biodiversity.

In summary, the Mediterranean fleabane (Pulicaria odora) is a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity, combining beauty, utility, and ecological importance. Whether admired for its vibrant flowers, appreciated for its aromatic qualities, or recognized for its role in supporting pollinator populations, Pulicaria odora is a plant that exemplifies the rich botanical diversity of the Mediterranean region.

Common Names

En: Mediterranean Fleabane
Ca: Pulicària d’olor
Fi: Tuoksukirppuruoho
Fr: Pulicaire odorante
It: Incensaria odorosa
Pt: Erva-montã
Es: Arnica de monte
: Mediterranean fleabane

Synonyms

• Inula dumetorum (Salzm. ex DC.)
• Pulicaria odora var. burnatii (Briq.)
• Pulicaria congesta (K.Koch)
• Inula apula (Crantz)
• Pulicaria majoricensis (Gand.)
• Pulicaria atlantica (Pau)
• Pulicaria dumetorum (Salzm. ex Ball)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Maxime Thiry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 28, 2020 by iannizzotto michele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Maxime Thiry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by ruud de block (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2014 by Beytullah AYDIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2014 by Beytullah AYDIN (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.

Bark

Taken May 19, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques Houdré (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by sophie begin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques Houdré (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 24, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Comotti Ermanno (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3095683)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:240577-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pulicaria odora (L.) Rchb.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5