Morrison’s spurrey (Spergula morisonii, Rev. Bot. Recueil Mens. 2: 424 (1847))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: Boreau

Bibliography: Rev. Bot. Recueil Mens. 2: 424 (1847)

Year: 1847

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spergula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe, NW. Africa

Description

Morrison’s spurrey, scientifically known as Spergula morisonii, is a noteworthy plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. First described by the botanist Boreau in the 19th century, specifically cited in the 1847 publication Rev. Bot. Recueil Mensuel (Volume 2, Page 424), this species has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to various regions across Europe and Northwest Africa, Morrison’s spurrey thrives in these local climates, adapting well to the diverse environmental conditions found across its range. Characterized by its slender, fragile stems and delicate white flowers, it typically occupies open, sandy soils and grasslands, making it a common sight in its native habitats.

The plant’s ecological significance extends beyond mere aesthetics, often playing an essential role in soil stabilization and as part of the intricate web of local ecosystems. Studies of its growth patterns, reproductive habits, and interactions within its habitats continue to contribute valuable insights into plant biology and ecology.

Morrison’s spurrey represents not just a single species but also a piece of botanical history and biodiversity that underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats. Its presence in both botanical literature and natural environments serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of plant life that enriches our world.

Common Names

Dan: femhannet spergel, vår-spergel
Deu: frühlings-spark, frühlings-spergel, frühlings-spörgel, frühlingsspark
Eng: morison’s spurry, morrison’s spurrey, pearlwort spurrey
Nld: heidespurrie
Fin: kalliohatikka
Swe: kalliohatikka, vårspärgel, vårspergel
Fra: spargoute printanière
Nob: vårbendel
Nno: vårbendel
Cym: troellig-yr-ŷd llyfn
En: Morrison’s spurrey, Pearlwort spurrey, Morison’s spurry
Be: Свінакроп вясенні
Ca: Espèrgula vernal
Cs: Kolenec Morisonův
Da: Vårspergel, Femhannet spergel, Vår-spergel
Nl: Heidespurrie, Heide-Spurrie
Et: Kevad-nälghein
Fi: Kalliohatikka
Fr: Spargoute printanière, Spargoute de printemps, Spergule de Morison, Espargoutte de printemps
De: Frühlings-Spark, Frühlings-Spergel, Frühlingsspark, Frühlings-Spörgel
It: Renaiola di Morison
Nb: Vårbendel
Nn: Vårbendel
Pl: Sporek wiosenny
Sv: Vårspergel, Kalliohatikka, Vårspärgel
Cy: Troellig-yr-ŷd llyfn

Synonyms

• Spergula vernalis var. viscosa (Rothm. & P.Silva)
• Spergula pentandra var. linicola (Cout.)
• Spergula pentandra subsp. morisonii ((Boreau) Čelak.)
• Spergula pentandra var. morisonii ((Boreau) Batt.)
• Spergula pentandra var. vernalis (Samp.)
• Spergula pentandra (Rchb.)
• Spergula vernalis var. celtiberica (Asch.)
• Spergula vernalis var. granulata ((Cout.) Rothm. & P.Silva)
• Spergula morisonii var. granulata ((Cout.) Caball.)
• Spergula vernalis var. macrocarpa (Merino)
• Spergula pentandra var. celtiberica ((Asch.) Cout.)
• Spergula pentandra var. granulata (Cout.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Ildefonso Leal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Zoé siegel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 16, 2020 by Agata Walkiewicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by c h (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by c h (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 30, 1871 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085811)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spergula morisonii Boreau)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:158777-1)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]