Purple sandspurry (Spergularia purpurea, Gen. Hist. 1: 425 (1831))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (Pers.) G.Don

Bibliography: Gen. Hist. 1: 425 (1831)

Year: 1831

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spergularia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Iberian Pen., Morocco

Description

Purple sandspurry, known scientifically as Spergularia purpurea, is a fascinating member of the Caryophyllaceae family. First described in the early 19th century, its classification was formally recorded in the “General History” volume published in 1831 by G. Don, following its initial identification by Persoon.

This delicate perennial plant is predominantly found in the Iberian Peninsula and parts of Morocco, thriving in these regions due to their specific climatic and soil conditions. Characterized by its vibrant purple flowers, from which it derives its common name, Purple sandspurry adds a dash of color to the landscapes it inhabits.

The leaves of Spergularia purpurea are typically small and fleshy, a common trait within its family that aids in water retention—an essential adaptation for survival in the hot, arid environments it calls home. The flowers, usually emerging in clusters, provide a visually striking contrast against the muted tones of their surroundings.

Researchers and botanists have noted the plant’s resilience and ability to grow in less hospitable terrains, marking it as a subject of interest for studies in plant adaptation and survival. Its beauty and hardiness make the Purple sandspurry not only a botanical curiosity but also an invaluable part of its native ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: purple sandspurry
En: Purple sandspurry

Synonyms

• Spergularia colorata (Samp.)
• Alsine purpurea var. longipes ((Lange) Samp.)
• Lepigonum firmum (Kindb.)
• Spergula rubra var. rouyana (Cout.)
• Lepigonum longipes (Murb.)
• Spergula rubra subsp. longipes ((Lange) Maire)
• Lepigonum rubrum var. longipes (Lange)
• Alsine purpurea var. indurata ((Samp.) Samp.)
• Lepigonum purpureum (Kindb.)
• Spergula purpurea ((Pers.) D.Dietr.)
• Alsine purpurea ((Pers.) Heynh.)
• Spergularia langei (Foucaud)
• Melargyra purpurea (Raf.)
• Arenaria purpurea (Pers.)
• Spergularia rubra subsp. longipes ((Lange) Briq.)
• Spergula longipes ((Lange) Murb.)
• Corion purpureum ((Pers.) Pau)
• Spergularia colorata var. longipes ((Lange) Samp.)
• Spergularia colorata var. indurata ((Samp.) Samp.)
• Corion purpureum var. longipes ((Lange) Merino)
• Spergularia purpurea var. indurata (Samp.)
• Spergularia purpurea var. longipes ((Lange) Samp.)
• Spergularia longipes var. rouyana (Cout.)
• Spergularia longipes var. langeana (Cout.)

Distribution

• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7744727)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:158973-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spergularia purpurea (Pers.) G.Don)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth