Family: Apiaceae
Author: Desf. ex Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.
Bibliography: Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus) 7: 50 (1841)
Year: 1841
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Heracleum
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. & SE. Türkiye to Iran
Description
Persian hogweed, scientifically known as Heracleum persicum, is a notable species within the family Apiaceae. First documented in the mid-19th century, this plant drew the attention of famed botanists Desf. ex Fisch., C.A. Mey., and Avé-Lall., and was formally recorded in the “Index Seminum (LE, Petropolitanus)” in 1841.
Originating from the regions of Eastern and Southeastern Turkey through to Iran, Persian hogweed is distinguished by its robust and towering structure. These biogeographical areas provide the ideal climatic conditions for its growth, making it a prominent feature of the local flora.
Members of the Apiaceae family, such as Heracleum persicum, are typically characterized by their umbrella-like flower clusters known as umbels. This specific species produces large, white florets that can create an impressive display during its blooming period.
Persian hogweed is not just a visual spectacle but also a plant of various uses and folklore in its native regions. Historically, it has been utilized in cuisine and traditional medicine, although caution is advised due to the presence of furanocoumarins in its sap, which can cause skin irritation upon contact with sunlight.
In summary, Heracleum persicum is a significant and fascinating plant within its native range, valued both for its striking appearance and its historical applications. Its broad distribution from Eastern Turkey to Iran underscores its adaptability and ecological importance in these terrains.
Common Names
Dan: hårfrugtet bjørneklo
Eng: persian hogweed
Deu: persische bärenklau
Nld: perzische berenklauw
Fra: berce de perse
Ces: bolševník perský
Swe: kryddloka, persianjättiputki, tromsöloka
Fin: persianjättiputki
Hun: perzsa medvetalp
Nno: tromsøpalme
Nob: tromsøpalme
En: Persian Hogweed
Da: Hårfrugtet bjøneklo, Hårfrugtet bjørneklo
Nl: Perzische berenklauw
De: Persicher Bärenklau
Se: Romssaboska, Romssabálbma
Sv: Tromsöloka, Jättebjörnloka, Jättefloka, Tromsöpalm
Synonyms
- Heracleum carmeli (Wender.)
- Heracleum glabrescens (Boiss. & Hohen.)
- Heracleum pubescens var. persicum ((Desf. ex Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.) Regel)
- Heracleum amplissimum (Wender.)
- Heracleum pubescens var. laeve (Freyn & Sint.)
Distribution
- Iran (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- Finland (introduced)
- Iceland (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Mahdi Vazirian (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:843131-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3628745)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8000520)