Nacktstengelige kugelblume (Globularia nudicaulis, Sp. Pl.: 97 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 97 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Globularia

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. Spain to Pyrenees, Alps

Description

The Nacktstengelige kugelblume, scientifically known as Globularia nudicaulis, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. This plant is noted for its unique characteristics and specific habitat preferences.

First described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Globularia nudicaulis has long been a subject of botanical interest. Its common name, Nacktstengelige kugelblume, hints at its distinctive appearance, characterized by its naked stems and globe-like flower heads.

The geographical range of this species spans from Northern Spain to the Pyrenees and extends into the Alps. This distribution suggests that Globularia nudicaulis is adaptable to mountainous terrains, thriving in alpine climates where other plants might struggle. Its presence in these regions is not just a testament to its hardiness but also contributes significantly to the biodiversity of these ecosystems.

Members of the Plantaginaceae family, Globularia nudicaulis shares family traits that include rosette-forming leaves and unique flower structures. These adaptations are well-suited to the plant’s habitats, allowing it to maximize sunlight capture and thrive in rocky, well-drained soils typically found in its native mountainous environments.

The Globularia nudicaulis boasts deep blue to violet flowers that emerge in spherical clusters, creating a striking visual display against the often rugged and sparse alpine landscapes. These flowers not only add aesthetic value but also play a crucial role in the local ecology, providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators adapted to higher altitudes.

Understanding the ecological role and adaptive strategies of the Nacktstengelige kugelblume helps in appreciating the delicate balance of mountain ecosystems. Its presence across a range of altitudes and locations within its range underlines its importance as a resilient species that supports biodiversity.

In summary, Globularia nudicaulis is a remarkable plant with a rich history of botanical study and a significant presence in the alpine regions of Northern Spain, the Pyrenees, and the Alps. Its unique morphological traits, habitat preferences, and ecological contributions make it a noteworthy species within the Plantaginaceae family.

Common Names

Deu: nacktstengelige kugelblume, nacktstenglige kugelblume, nacktstängel-kugelblume
En: Nacktstengelige Kugelblume, Leafless-stemmed globularia, Naked-stalked globe-daisy
Ca: Lluqueta nudicaule
Nl: Naaktstengelige Kogelbloem
Fi: Mätässinipallo
Fr: Globulaire à tige nue, Globulaire à tiges nues
De: Nacktstängelige Kugelblume, Nacktstengelige Kugelblume, Nacktstenglige Kugelblume, Nacktstängel-Kugelblume, Schaft-Kugelblume
It: Vedovelle alpine, Vedovella alpina
: Nacktstengelige kugelblume

Synonyms

• Globularia alpina (Salisb.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 10, 2020 by colotti stefano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2021 by martinez Gelin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2019 by jid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2018 by itsasargi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2022 by Andrea Schieber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2020 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 13, 2019 by The Raven Girl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Käch Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2020 by François Mathieu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Christopher Briggs (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Christopher Briggs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Elena Barrionuevo (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7265189)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:813083-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Globularia nudicaulis L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]