Mount cenis lousewort (Pedicularis cenisia, Fl. Helv. 4: 132 (1829))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: Gaudin

Bibliography: Fl. Helv. 4: 132 (1829)

Year: 1829

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pedicularis

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Alps to N. Appennini

Description

Mount cenis lousewort, known scientifically as Pedicularis cenisia, is an intriguing alpine plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. This distinctive species was first described by the botanist Gaudin and documented in the renowned botanical work, Fl. Helv., Volume 4, on page 132, published in the year 1829.

This plant is native to the stunning landscapes of the southwestern Alps, extending its presence to the northern Apennine mountains. These regions provide the ideal environment for Pedicularis cenisia, with their high-altitude terrains and specific climatic conditions that support its growth.

As a member of the Orobanchaceae family, Mount cenis lousewort is part of a group of plants that commonly exhibit fascinating parasitic characteristics. This species, in particular, has adapted to thrive in the challenging alpine environments by forming relationships with other plants, from which it derives some of its nutrients.

The presence of Pedicularis cenisia in these alpine regions adds to the rich tapestry of flora characteristic of these high-altitude ecosystems. Its adaptation strategies and ecological relationships make it an interesting subject for further botanical studies.

Mount cenis lousewort continues to attract the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, serving as a vivid example of the diversity and complexity of alpine plant life.

Common Names

En: Mount Cenis lousewort
Fr: Pédiculaire du mont Cenis
De: Mont-Cenis-Läusekraut
It: Pedicolare del Moncenisio
: Mount cenis lousewort

Synonyms

• Pedicularis fasciculata subsp. cenisia ((Gaudin) Bonnier & Layens)
• Pedicularis gyroflexa subsp. cenisia ((Gaudin) R.C.V.Douin)
• Pedicularis bonjeanii (Colla)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1993 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 18, 1988 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by alain chauvelier (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Astrid simon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Anne-Evelyne Vallet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Loïc Fonteneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 1988 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3725598)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:806896-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis cenisia Gaudin)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 1