Small-leaved toadflax (Linaria micrantha, Fl. Portug. 1: 258 (1811))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: (Cav.) Hoffmanns. & Link

Bibliography: Fl. Portug. 1: 258 (1811)

Year: 1811

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to C. Asia and W. Iran, Arabian Pen.

Description

Small-leaved toadflax, scientifically known as Linaria micrantha, is a diminutive yet fascinating member of the Plantaginaceae family. Described comprehensively in the early 19th century by (Cav.) Hoffmanns. & Link in Fl. Portug. volume 1, page 258 (1811), this plant has sparked the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to a wide range of regions, Small-leaved toadflax has a notable presence across the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean basin stretching to Central Asia, extending all the way to the western parts of Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula. This wide distribution attests to the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and terrains.

Characterized by its small, lance-shaped leaves, Linaria micrantha is a relatively modest plant in terms of its physical stature but bears exquisite flowers that appeal to the observer with their intricate details. These flowers generally exhibit shades of purple, lavender, or occasionally, white, forming a delicate visual contrast against the green foliage.

Small-leaved toadflax primarily grows in well-draining soils and is frequently found in habitats such as grasslands, rocky terrains, and sometimes even disturbed areas like roadsides and fields. The plant prefers sunny locations and is typically observed blooming in the spring and early summer months.

Ecologically, Linaria micrantha plays a role in providing nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity within its growing regions.

While Small-leaved toadflax might not always stand out due to its size, it is a resilient and beautiful species that underscores the incredible diversity found within the Plantaginaceae family.

Common Names

Deu: kleinblättriges leinkraut
Spa: linaria de flor chica
Eng: small-leaved toadflax
En: Small-leaved Toadflax
Fr: Linaire à petites fleurs
De: Kleinblättriges Leinkraut
He: פשתנית זעירה
It: Linajola minima
Es: Linaria de flor chica, Linaria de flor enana
: Small-leaved toadflax

Synonyms

• Linaria arvensis var. micrantha ((Cav.) Lange)
• Linaria arvensis subsp. micrantha ((Cav.) P.Fourn.)
• Antirrhinum micranthum (Cav.)
• Linaria arvensis subsp. parviflora ((Desf.) Rouy)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Oman (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (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.

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

Habit

Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Pokotilo Olga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 21, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 3, 2021 by Raúl Sánchez Pérez (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 21, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7451655)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:804769-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linaria micrantha (Cav.) Hoffmanns. & Link)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]