Small restharrow (Ononis reclinata, Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 1011 (1763))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 1011 (1763)

Year: 1763

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ononis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, W. Europe, Medit. to Iran and Ethiopia

Description

The Small Restharrow, scientifically known as Ononis reclinata, is a captivating plant belonging to the Fabaceae, or legume, family. This charming species was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in the second edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1763. With its sprawling, sometimes prostrate habit, the Small Restharrow thrives in a range of environments, earning a diverse ecological presence from Macaronesia and Western Europe, through the Mediterranean basin, and extending to Iran and Ethiopia.

Typically found in sandy soils or rocky terrains, Ononis reclinata is adapted to endure varied climates, from the arid regions of Northern Africa to the temperate zones of Southern Europe. It is a hardy plant, presenting slender, hairy stems covered with trifoliate leaves, each composed of tiny leaflets that display a soft, downy texture. During its flowering phase, the plant showcases small, but conspicuous, pink or purple flowers that bloom in the axils of its leaves. These delicate blossoms are often visited by pollinators, playing a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle.

A member of the legume family, the Small Restharrow contributes to soil health through its ability to fix nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility and supporting the growth of surrounding flora. This symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria makes it an integral part of its native ecosystems.

Ononis reclinata’s wide geographical spread underscores its adaptability and ecological importance. Whether carpeting the sandy coasts of Macaronesia, the rocky outcrops of Western Europe, or the arid plains stretching from the Mediterranean to Ethiopia, this resilient species remains an emblem of botanical endurance and natural beauty.

Common Names

En: Small restharrow, Small rest-harrow
Ar: حطيبه (حُطيبه), شبرق منحني
Bg: Южен гръмотрън
Fi: Pikkuorakko
Fr: Bugrane à fleurs pendantes, Bugrane renversée
De: Zurückgeneigter Hauhechel
It: Ononide reclinata
Cy: Tagaradr bach
Eng: small restharrow, small rest-harrow
Cym: tagaradr bach

Synonyms

• Ononis reclinata var. linnaei (Webb & Berthel.)
• Anonis reclinata ((L.) Lam.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Magalie Delalande (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 1996 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 1996 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 22, 2020 by Brunello Pierini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Stefana Popova (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Stefana Popova (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 12, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 1996 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 1996 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:510476-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2977133)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ononis reclinata L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]