Round-leaved restharrow (Ononis rotundifolia, Sp. Pl.: 719 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 719 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ononis

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Spain to E. Austria and C. Italy

Description

The Round-leaved restharrow, scientifically known as Ononis rotundifolia, is an enchanting member of the Fabaceae family. The authority on this plant, marked by the abbreviation L., signifies the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, who first officially described the species in his seminal work published in 1753, “Species Plantarum”.

Characterized by its distinctive round leaves, the Round-leaved restharrow flourishes across various regions in Europe. It has established its presence from Southeastern Spain to Eastern Austria and Central Italy, showcasing its ability to adapt to diverse climates and terrains within this geographical range.

Ononis rotundifolia is particularly cherished for its low-growing, bushy form and delicate pink flowers, which often attract pollinators such as bees. The plant typically thrives in sunny, well-drained soils, making it a resilient addition to rock gardens and wildflower displays.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Round-leaved restharrow is also noted for its historical use in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant were employed in folk remedies, particularly valued for their reputed diuretic properties.

The species’ name, rotundifolia, is derived from the Latin words “rotundus” meaning round, and “folia” meaning leaves, which aptly describes the plant’s most identifying feature. This unique foliage, coupled with its hardiness and medicinal history, makes the Round-leaved restharrow a fascinating subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In summary, Ononis rotundifolia is a plant that combines visual charm with historical significance, seamlessly thriving across a broad European habitat. Its round leaves and delicate flowers make it a standout specimen in both wild and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Cat: gavó rotundifoli
Swe: rundbladigt puktörne
En: Round-leaved restharrow
Ar: شبرق مستدير الأوراق
Ca: Gavó rotundifoli
Nl: Rondbladig stalkruid
Fr: Bugrane à feuilles rondes, Bugrane à grandes fleurs
De: Rundblättrige Hauhechel, Alpen-Hauhechel
It: Ononide con foglie rotonde, Cece-selvatico
Es: Garbancillera
Sv: Rundbladigt puktörne

Synonyms

• Ononis latifolia (Asso)
• Ononis rotundifolia var. aristata (DC.)
• Ononis rotundifolia var. orbiculata (Rouy)
• Ononis rotundifolia var. articulata (DC.)
• Natrix rotundifolia ((L.) Moench)
• Ononis glandulifera (Weinm.)
• Ononis tribracteata (DC.)
• Anonis rotundifolia ((L.) Lam.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

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

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

Flower

Taken Jul 5, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 5, 2021 by Domie Viallet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − sdko (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 21, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2016 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 5, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2021 by Guaita Raquel (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:510488-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2977131)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ononis rotundifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

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

Soil nutriments: 2