Categories: Ranunculaceae

Small-flower buttercup (Ranunculus parviflorus, Iter Hispan.: 291 (1758))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: Loefl.

Bibliography: Iter Hispan.: 291 (1758)

Year: 1758

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, NW. Europe to W. & C. Medit.

Description

The small-flower buttercup, scientifically known as Ranunculus parviflorus, is a charming and resilient member of the Ranunculaceae family. This petite plant was first documented in Iter Hispanicum by the esteemed botanist Loefl. in 1758, highlighting its long-standing recognition within the botanical community.

Ranunculus parviflorus is primarily found in the diverse regions of Macaronesia, which includes the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, as well as the Northwest of Europe. This geographically varied distribution extends down through the western and central Mediterranean basin, showcasing the plant’s adaptability to different climatic conditions and terrains.

One of the key identifying features of the small-flower buttercup is its delicate, small-sized flowers which earn it the common name. These flowers exhibit the classic buttercup form but on a significantly smaller scale, making them a unique and endearing aspect of this species. The leaves of the Ranunculus parviflorus are typically lobed, contributing to the plant’s overall charming appearance.

Ecologically, the small-flower buttercup thrives in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to woodland edges, further exemplifying its versatile nature. The species plays a role in local ecosystems, contributing to the floral diversity and providing a food source for various pollinators.

In summary, Ranunculus parviflorus— the small-flower buttercup— stands out not only for its quaint flowers but also for its wide distribution and ecological adaptability. Its presence across Macaronesia, Northwest Europe, and the Mediterranean regions underlines its resilience and the enduring fascination it holds for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: kleinblütiger hahnenfuß
Spa: ranunculo menudo
Eng: smallflower buttercup, small-flower buttercup, small-flowered buttercup
Dan: småblomstret ranunkel
Hun: apróvirágú boglárka
Swe: småranunkel
Nld: kleine boterbloem
Fra: renoncule à petites fleurs
Cym: blodau-ymenyn mân-flodeuog, blodyn-ymenyn mân-flodeuog, crafanc y frân manflodeuog, egyllt y frân manflodeuog
En: Small-flower buttercup, Smallflower buttercup, STICKTIGHT BUTTERCUP, Small-flowered Buttercup
Ar: حوذان صغير الزهرة
Ca: Ranuncle de flor petita
Da: Småblomstret ranunkel
Nl: Kleine boterbloem
Fi: Soppileinikki
Fr: Renoncule à petites fleurs, Renoncule-picot
De: Kleinblütiger Hahnenfuß, Armblütiger Hahnenfuß
Hu: Apróvirágú boglárka
It: Ranuncolo pargoletto
Es: Ranunculo menudo, Ranúnculo de flor pequeña
Sv: Småranunkel
Cy: Blodyn-ymenyn mân-flodeuog, Blodau-Ymenyn Mân-Flodeuog, Crafanc y Frân Manflodeuog, Egyllt y Frân Manflodeuog

Synonyms

Notophilus parviflorus (Fourr.)
Ranunculus subapetalus (Duby)
Ranunculus parviflorus var. subapetalus (Gren.)
Ranunculus parviflorus var. erectus (DC.)
Ranunculus parviflorus var. dimidiatus (E.H.L.Krause)
Ranunculus muricatus (Moench)
Ranunculus parviflorus var. acutilobus (DC.)
Ranunculus parviflorus var. australis (Benth.)
Ranunculus pauciflorus (Spreng.)

Distribution

Algeria (native)
Argentina Northwest (native)
Azores (native)
Baleares (native)
Canary Is. (native)
Chile Central (native)
Corse (native)
France (native)
Great Britain (native)
Italy (native)
Madeira (native)
Morocco (native)
Portugal (native)
Sardegna (native)
Sicilia (native)
Spain (native)
Tunisia (native)
Yugoslavia (native)
Alabama (introduced)
Arkansas (introduced)
Belgium (introduced)
Bermuda (introduced)
Brazil South (introduced)
Brazil Southeast (introduced)
California (introduced)
Florida (introduced)
Georgia (introduced)
Haiti (introduced)
Hawaii (introduced)
Illinois (introduced)
Ireland (introduced)
Jamaica (introduced)
Kentucky (introduced)
Louisiana (introduced)
Maryland (introduced)
Mississippi (introduced)
Missouri (introduced)
New Caledonia (introduced)
New Jersey (introduced)
New York (introduced)
New Zealand North (introduced)
Norfolk Is. (introduced)
North Carolina (introduced)
Oklahoma (introduced)
South Australia (introduced)
South Carolina (introduced)
Tasmania (introduced)
Tennessee (introduced)
Texas (introduced)
Victoria (introduced)
Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 16, 2021 by Corrado (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Anaïs Persico (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by Sonlight (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2020 by Blandine Cvz (cc-by-sa)