Mediterranean restharrow (Ononis mitissima, Sp. Pl.: 717 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 717 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ononis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit.

Description

Mediterranean restharrow, scientifically known as Ononis mitissima, is a captivating species within the Fabaceae family. First described in 1753, this resilient plant has garnered considerable attention over the centuries. It holds a special place in the delicate ecosystems of Macaronesia and the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in the mild, subtropical climate.

Belonging to a family renowned for its ecological diversity and agricultural significance, the Mediterranean restharrow is noteworthy for both its botanical and environmental attributes. Its tenacity allows it to persist in challenging conditions, contributing to soil stabilization and playing a role in the intricate web of Mediterranean biodiversity.

This remarkable plant exhibits the characteristic features typical of the Fabaceae family, including its unique flower structure, which aids in pollination by insects. The flowers are often small yet intricate, a testament to the evolutionary adaptability of the species. The Mediterranean restharrow’s presence within its native range highlights the interconnectedness of flora and fauna in these regions, with a long history of co-evolution shaped by the Mediterranean climate.

In addition to its ecological importance, the Mediterranean restharrow also stands as a symbol of the natural beauty endemic to the Mediterranean landscape. Its persistence and adaptability in varying environments underscore the dynamic nature of this plant species, which continues to be a subject of botanical interest and ecological study.

Through careful observation and documentation, such as the seminal work noted in the 1753 publication, scientists and botanists have been able to expand our understanding of these vital plant species. The Mediterranean restharrow remains a cherished component of our natural heritage, signifying both the resilience and intricate balance of ecosystems within its native habitats.

Common Names

Eng: mediterranean restharrow
Dan: mild krageklo
Deu: milde hauhechel, weiche hauhechel
Cym: tagaradr môr y canoldir
En: Mediterranean restharrow
Da: Mild krageklo
Fr: Bugrane sans épines
De: Milde Hauhechel, Weiche Hauhechel
He: שברק מלבין
It: Ononide senza spine
Cy: Tagaradr Môr y Canoldir

Synonyms

• Anonis scariosa (Moench)
• Bugranopsis mitissima (Pomel)
• Ononis scariosa (Moench)
• Ononis mitissima var. campanulata (J.J.Rodriguez)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Uruguay (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by macte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Virginie PONS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Ahmed Haddad (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by Ahmed Haddad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Antoine Cazorla (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Serge Fournier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Serge Fournier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Maxime BOTTINO (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by barea antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jun 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2977292)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:510410-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ononis mitissima L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 6

Soil salinity: 4