Procumbent hypecoum (Hypecoum procumbens, Sp. pl. 1:124. 1753)

Family: Papaveraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:124. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hypecoum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to N. Iraq

Description

Procumbent hypecoum (Hypecoum procumbens) is a unique and intriguing member of the Papaveraceae family, known for its distinctive appearance and widespread distribution. First documented by Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to regions ranging from the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean to northern Iraq, the procumbent hypecoum is well-adapted to various climates and soils, making it a resilient and versatile plant. This distribution suggests a robustness that allows it to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions, from coastal areas to inland regions.

The plant itself is noted for its ground-hugging growth habit, as implied by the term “procumbent” in its name, which means it tends to spread out along the ground rather than growing upright. This characteristic makes it an excellent ground cover in gardens and natural landscapes, providing both beauty and functional coverage.

The leaves of Hypecoum procumbens are finely divided, almost fern-like, giving the plant a delicate and intricate appearance. The flowers are typically small and yellow, blooming in clusters that add a bright splash of color to its green foliage. These blossoms not only attract pollinators but also add visual interest to the garden setting.

In its native habitats, the procumbent hypecoum plays an important ecological role. It provides food and habitat for various insects and small animals, contributing to the biodiversity of these regions. Its adaptability also makes it a valuable species for research in plant resilience and adaptation.

The study of Hypecoum procumbens offers insights into the broader family of Papaveraceae, known for their often striking flowers and ecological significance. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in a garden, this plant continues to be a subject of admiration and scientific interest.

In summary, Procumbent hypecoum is a remarkable plant with a rich botanical history and a broad native range. Its aesthetic appeal, combined with its ecological and scientific importance, makes it a noteworthy addition to any botanical collection or natural landscape.

Common Names

Swe: fjärilsrök
Eng: procumbent hypecoum
En: Procumbent hypecoum, Sickle-fruited Hypecoum, Sicklefruit Hypecoum
Ca: Ballarida comuna
Fi: Rentoliuskio
Fr: Cumin cornu, Cumin couché
De: Niederliegende Lappenblume, Lappenblume
He: מגלית שרועה
It: Cornacchina comune, Cornacchina
Es: Pamplina, Zadrija
Sv: Fjärilsrök

Synonyms

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 4, 2021 by Mario Cannata (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by manos mpouts (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Patrick Le Masson (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by manos mpouts (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Dec 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre CROUZET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 13, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8281444)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:673252-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypecoum procumbens L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]