Pinnate coralroot (Cardamine heptaphylla, Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 32: 371 (1903))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (Vill.) O.E.Schulz

Bibliography: Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 32: 371 (1903)

Year: 1903

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cardamine

Vegetable: False

Observations: Spain to SW. Germany

Description

The Pinnate Coralroot, scientifically known as Cardamine heptaphylla, is a fascinating member of the Brassicaceae family. First described in 1903 by eminent botanist O.E. Schulz, this plant continues to capture the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to regions stretching from Spain to southwestern Germany, the Pinnate Coralroot thrives in these temperate European climates. Its habitat preferences, though varied, generally include moist and shaded environments often found in deciduous woodlands and along the banks of streams.

This perennial herb is noted for its distinct pinnate leaves, arranged in an intricate pattern that visually sets it apart from many other species within the Brassicaceae family. The floral structure, another defining feature, comprises delicate petals arranged in a manner that resembles the intricate coral formations found in marine environments—hence its common name, Pinnate Coralroot.

Blooming in spring, Cardamine heptaphylla displays vibrant flowers that add a splash of color to the forest understory. These flowers play a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators. The plant’s ability to flourish in the specified geographical range highlights both its adaptability and its ecological importance.

In botanical literature, Cardamine heptaphylla is extensively documented, reflecting both historical and contemporary scientific interest. The species was notably cataloged in 1903 within the “Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik,” a comprehensive and revered source for botanical classification and description.

Overall, the Pinnate Coralroot stands as a testament to the intricate beauty and ecological complexity of the European flora. Its study continues to provide valuable insights into plant biology, biodiversity, and the dynamic balance of natural woodland ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: pinnate coralroot, bitter-cress
Swe: violtandrot
Cym: deintwraidd saith deilig
En: Pinnate Coralroot, Bitter-Cress
Ca: Canuguera
Nl: Geveerd Tandkruid
Fr: Cardamine à sept folioles, Dentaire à sept folioles, Dentaire pennée
De: Fieder-Zahnwurz, Fiederblättrige Zahnwurz, Gefiederte Zahnwurz
It: Dentaria pennata
Sk: Žerušnica sedemlistá
Es: Dentaria de siete hojas
Sv: Violtandrot
Cy: Deintwraidd Saith Deilig
: Pinnate coralroot

Synonyms

• Dentaria intermedia (Sond.)
• Dentaria canescens (Ten.)
• Crucifera heptaphylla ((Vill.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Dentaria heptaphylla (Vill.)
• Cardamine pinnata ((Lam.) W.T.Aiton)
• Cardamine baldensis (Fritsch)
• Dentaria pinnata (Lam.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by victoria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2022 by Guido Stefanelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by geppe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2019 by Herve Meynier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by geppe (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 9, 2018 by Yann Dissac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Ambrogio Crippa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2018 by Simon Dietmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by geppe (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 19, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Etienne Brana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by geppe (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Jean-Baptiste ROMANET (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 11, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Erika schneider (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 18, 2021 by Busquet Jaume (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Perrine M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3045634)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:280365-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cardamine heptaphylla (Vill.) O.E.Schulz)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 3

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 6