Prickly samphire (Echinophora spinosa, Sp. Pl.: 239 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 239 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Echinophora

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Europe,Algeria

Description

Prickly samphire, scientifically known as Echinophora spinosa, is a distinctive plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. First described in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work, “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this resilient species primarily thrives in Southern Europe and Algeria.

Characterized by its spiny and robust nature, prickly samphire is well-adapted to the often harsh and arid environments it inhabits. Its unique morphological features include a dense, bushy form with sharply pointed leaves and stems that provide natural defense against herbivores and extreme climatic conditions. The plant’s overall structure showcases its ability to conserve water and withstand significant thermal stress.

Prickly samphire also plays a crucial ecological role in its native habitats by stabilizing sandy soils and preventing erosion. Its presence contributes to the overall biodiversity of the regions it populates, offering a habitat and food source for various insects and small animals.

Culturally, prickly samphire has had historical significance in various Mediterranean regions, often utilized in traditional remedies and cuisine. The plant’s rich heritage reflects its longstanding integration into local practices and its adaptive functionality within different aspects of daily life and natural management.

Understanding prickly samphire’s growth patterns, ecological contributions, and historical significance provides invaluable insights into preserving and utilizing native plant species within their ecosystems effectively.

Common Names

Deu: gewöhnliche stacheldolde
Eng: prickly samphire
En: Prickly Samphire
Ca: Equinòfora, Fonoll marí
Fi: Okaputki
Fr: Panais épineux, Échinophore épineuse
De: Gewöhnliche Stacheldolde
It: Finocchio litorale spinoso, Carota spinosa, Finocchio di mare spinoso, Pastinaca marina

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Oct 24, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

Taken Sep 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2020 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by hh ff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2017 by Gianni Giana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2017 by Gianni Giana (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

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

Bark

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

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

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

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5538709)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:841514-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Echinophora spinosa L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 3