Round-leaf wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia, Sp. Pl.: 396 (1753))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 396 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pyrola

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia to N. Indo-China

Description

Round-leaf wintergreen, scientifically known as Pyrola rotundifolia, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Ericaceae. This remarkable plant is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and extends its presence to Northern Indo-China. It was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, and since then, it has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for its unique properties and ecological significance.

Characterized by its round, glossy leaves, the plant typically forms a basal rosette, from which it produces singular or multiple flowering stems. These leaves are leathery and evergreen, allowing the plant to remain verdant throughout the year. The leaf shape not only gives the plant its common name but also contributes to its resilience in varied climatic conditions.

During the blossoming season, Pyrola rotundifolia displays delicate, white to pale pink flowers, each with five petals arranged in a nodding, slightly drooping manner. These flowers, which are often borne on a single, erect stem, attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, facilitating cross-pollination and contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat.

The plant exhibits a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which assist in nutrient uptake from the soil. This relationship not only aids in the plant’s survival in nutrient-poor environments but also highlights its role in maintaining soil health and ecosystem balance.

Furthermore, the round-leaf wintergreen is a subject of interest in traditional medicine practices in some cultures. It’s been used historically to treat various ailments, although modern scientific validation of these uses is limited.

Despite its robust nature, Pyrola rotundifolia faces threats from habitat destruction and climate change, which could affect its natural distribution and population stability. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure that this species continues to thrive in its native regions.

Overall, round-leaf wintergreen is much more than a resilient groundcover; it is a vital component of its native ecosystems and a symbol of botanical endurance. Its study and preservation can provide insights into plant resilience and ecological balance, proving invaluable in the face of ever-changing environmental challenges.

Common Names

Dan: mose-vintergrøn
Eng: round-leaf wintergreen, round-leaved wintergreen, wintergreen
Deu: rundblättriges wintergrün
Fin: isotalvikki
Swe: isotalvikki, vitpyrola, vintergröna
Fra: pyrole à feuilles rondes
Nld: rond wintergroen
Nor: sou-spring
Nno: storvintergrøn
Nob: storvintergrønn
Cym: coedwyrdd, coedwyrdd crynddail, glesyn-y-gaeaf deilgrwn, gwyrdd y coed, gwyrdd y gaeaf
Gla: glasluibh chruinn
Bul: кръглолистна мурава
En: Round-leaf wintergreen, Round-leaved wintergreen, Wintergreen, Large Wintergreen, Larger Wintergreen
Be: Грушанка круглалістая
Bg: Кръглолистна мурава
Zh: 圆叶鹿蹄草
Cs: Hruštička okrouhlolistá
Da: Mose-Vintergrøn
Nl: Rond wintergroen
Fi: Isotalvikki
Fr: Pyrole à feuilles rondes, Pirole à feuilles rondes
De: Rundblättriges Wintergrün
Hu: Kereklevelű körtike
Ga: Glasluibh chruinn
It: Piroletta a foglie rotonde
Kk: Дөңгелек жапырақты алмұртшөп
Lv: Apaļlapu ziemciete
Lt: Apskritalapė kriaušlapė
No: Sou-spring
Nb: Storvintergrønn
Nn: Storvintergrøn
Fa: پیرولا روتندیفولیا
Pl: Gruszyczka okrągłolistna
Ru: Грушанка круглолистная
Gd: Glasluibh chruinn
Sk: Hruštička okrúhlolistá
Sv: Vitpyrola, Isotalvikki, Vintergröna
Uk: Грушанка круглолиста
Cy: Glesyn-y-gaeaf deilgrwn, Coedwyrdd, Coedwyrdd Crynddail, Gwyrdd y Coed, Gwyrdd y Gaeaf

Synonyms

• Thelaia rotundifolia ((L.) Alef.)
• Pyrola rotundifolia f. rubella (C.G.Westerl.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

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

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

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Carlo Bottero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Anita K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by ciskazeijl (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 23, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2016 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Sergio Benelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

© 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/2888269)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:331846-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pyrola rotundifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3