Smooth needle-rockrose (Fumana laevis, Bol. Soc. Esp. Hist. Nat. 1: 209 (1901))

Family: Cistaceae

Author: (Cav.) Pau

Bibliography: Bol. Soc. Esp. Hist. Nat. 1: 209 (1901)

Year: 1901

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Fumana

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Spain

Description

The smooth needle-rockrose, scientifically known as Fumana laevis, is a distinctive plant species belonging to the Cistaceae family. This plant was first officially described in the early 20th century, with its first citation dating back to 1901 in the Bulletin of the Spanish Society of Natural History.

Native to Eastern Spain, the smooth needle-rockrose thrives in the Mediterranean climate characteristic of this region. It is well adapted to the dry, sun-drenched environments it typically inhabits. The plant’s resilience and ability to flower in arid conditions make it a valuable species in the study of xerophytic plants.

The morphology of Fumana laevis is marked by its smooth, needle-like leaves, which contribute to its common name. These leaves help reduce water loss, an essential adaptation for surviving in its native habitat. The rockrose produces small, delicate flowers that add a splash of color to the rugged landscape of Eastern Spain.

Botanist José Pau formally documented the species, building upon the earlier identification work of Cavanilles. Their contributions have laid the groundwork for subsequent studies and have enhanced our understanding of the Cistaceae family’s diversity.

Overall, the smooth needle-rockrose stands as an intriguing representative of Mediterranean flora, showcasing unique adaptations that allow it to flourish in challenging environments. Its study continues to provide insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape plant life in dry regions.

Common Names

Deu: glattes nadelröschen
Eng: smooth needle-rockrose
En: Smooth Needle-Rockrose
Fr: Fumana lisse, Hélianthème lisse
De: Glattes Nadelröschen
: Smooth needle-rockrose

Synonyms

• Cistus laevis (Cav.)
• Fumana viscida var. laevis ((Cav.) Gren.)
• Fumana viscida subsp. hispidula ((Loscos & J.Pardo) Pau)
• Helianthemum glutinosum var. laeve ((Cav.) Benth.)
• Fumana viscida var. longifolia (Spach)
• Helianthemum thymifolium var. laeve ((Cav.) Nyman)
• Fumana hispidula (Loscos & J.Pardo)
• Helianthemum thymifolium var. viride ((Ten.) Nyman)
• Fumanopsis laevis ((Cav.) Tzvelev)
• Fumana glutinosa f. hispidula ((Loscos & J.Pardo) Pau)
• Fumana laevis var. pabularis (Pau)
• Fumana thymifolia var. laevis ((Cav.) Grosser)
• Fumana glutinosa var. laevis ((Cav.) Willk.)
• Fumana laevis var. hispidula ((Loscos & J.Pardo) C.Vicioso)
• Fumana laevis f. genuina (Pau)
• Fumana glutinosa var. hispidula ((Loscos & J.Pardo) Rouy)
• Helianthemum laeve ((Cav.) Pers.)
• Fumana thymifolia f. laevis ((Cav.) Janch.)
• Fumana laevipes var. laevis ((Cav.) Bonnier)
• Fumana hispidula var. pabularis (Pau)
• Fumana glutinosa subsp. laevis ((Cav.) Pau)
• Fumana laevis var. viride ((Ten.) Pau)

Distribution

• Spain (native)

Additional Images

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

Leaf

Taken Dec 30, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 1, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Leboulenger (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Leboulenger (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7798288)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:168598-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Fumana laevis (Cav.) Pau)

Specifications

Growth