Rock stork’s-bill (Erodium foetidum, Geraniologia: 4 (1802))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: (L.) L’Hér.

Bibliography: Geraniologia: 4 (1802)

Year: 1802

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. France

Description

The Rock stork’s-bill, scientifically known as Erodium foetidum, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This plant has garnered significant interest both for its unique characteristics and its specific geographic presence.

First described in the early 19th century in the comprehensive flora classification text Geraniologia in 1802, Erodium foetidum demonstrates the meticulous scientific efforts by botanists of that era. The formal botanical nomenclature and description were attributed to the collaborative work of Carl Linnaeus (L.) and solidified by the contributions of L’Héritier de Brutelle (L’Hér.), a prominent French botanist.

This distinct species is endemic to southern France, which provides its natural habitat. The climate and soil conditions of this region are particularly suitable for the Rock stork’s-bill, allowing it to thrive and maintain a stable population.

The plant is noted for its characteristic morphological features that set it apart from other members of the Geraniaceae family. While detailed descriptions of these features are found in botanical literature, key distinguishing traits include its unique leaf structure and the specific shape of its bill-like seed pod, which contribute to its common name.

Erodium foetidum plays an essential role in its natural ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity of the region. It also holds potential interest for horticulturists and plant enthusiasts who seek to understand and preserve unique flora.

In conclusion, the Rock stork’s-bill (Erodium foetidum) is a botanically significant plant with a rich history of scientific study and enduring presence in southern France. As research continues, its ecological and botanical value will likely be further appreciated and understood.

Common Names

Fra: bec-de-grue des pierriers, bec-de-grue fétide, érodium des pierriers
Cat: cargola de roca, te de penyagolosa
Eng: rock stork’s-bill
En: Rock Stork’s-bill
Ca: Cargola de roca, Te de Penyagolosa
Fr: Bec-de-grue des pierriers, Bec-de-grue fétide, Érodium des pierriers, Érodium fétide
: Rock stork’s-bill

Synonyms

• Erodium petraeum ((Gouan) Willd.)
• Erodium petraeum f. viscidum (Brumh.)
• Erodium petraeum var. narbonense (Durieu ex Timb.-Lagr.)
• Geranium petraeum (Gouan)

Distribution

• France (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 5, 2020 by Denis Martin (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by dicitar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 1, 2020 by serge brelit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2018 by Aurélien Gaunet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2015 by dominique Marques (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Yan-hui Zhou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

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

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

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 16, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pascal MILCENT (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

Taken May 31, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/9368145)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:372250-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erodium foetidum (L.) L’Hér.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]