Spanish digitalis (Digitalis thapsi, Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 867 (1763))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 867 (1763)

Year: 1763

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Digitalis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Portugal to W. & C. Spain

Description

Spanish digitalis, scientifically known as Digitalis thapsi, is a remarkable plant species that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. Its intrinsic beauty and medicinal properties make it a notable member of the flora in specific regions of Europe, particularly from Eastern Portugal to Western and Central Spain.

This vibrant plant was first cataloged in the second edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1763 by the distinguished botanist Carl Linnaeus, commonly referred to by the abbreviation “L.” in scientific literature. Spanish digitalis thrives in the warm climates of the Iberian Peninsula, where it benefits from the Mediterranean environment, characterized by hot summers and mild, wet winters.

Digitalis thapsi is often appreciated for its visually striking flowers, which tend to exhibit hues of pink, purple, or sometimes white. These blossoms not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and natural landscapes but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Just like other members of the Digitalis genus, Spanish digitalis contains potent cardiac glycosides which have been historically utilized in medicine, particularly for treating heart conditions. However, these same compounds can be toxic if ingested improperly, necessitating careful handling and usage.

The conservation and study of Digitalis thapsi are important due to its limited geographic distribution and the ongoing changes in its native habitats. Continued research and efforts to protect its natural environments are paramount to ensure that this exquisite plant can be enjoyed by future generations, both for its medicinal benefits and its ecological contributions.

Common Names

Swe: iberisk fingerborgsblomma
En: Spanish digitalis, Spanish Foxglove
De: Iberischer Fingerhut
Es: Dedalera
Sv: Iberisk fingerborgsblomma

Synonyms

• Digitalis thapsi f. albiflora (R.Fern.)
• Digitalis purpurea subsp. thapsi ((L.) Font Quer)

Distribution

• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Vašek Pekárek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Patrick Guillard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Stefano Cuvili (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Paweł W (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Alberto Osorio (cc-by-sa)

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

Flower

Taken May 4, 2022 by François Petit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Sánchez González José Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Alberto Osorio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by We Marth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by kikiss bigkiss (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 23, 2021 by Elena Peinado (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by laurent muguet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Sergio Guzmán (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Paweł W (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Manuel Barón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Alejandra López-Chicheri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Urban French Garden (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

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

Taken Jan 30, 2022 by Stefano Cuvili (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by Pablo Bullón (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5558992)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:802092-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Digitalis thapsi L.)

Specifications

Growth