Spiny golden star (Pallenis spinosa, Dict. Sci. Nat., ed. 2. 37: 276 (1825))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Cass.

Bibliography: Dict. Sci. Nat., ed. 2. 37: 276 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pallenis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Iran

Description

The Spiny Golden Star, known scientifically as Pallenis spinosa, is a distinctive plant within the Asteraceae family. Identified and documented comprehensively in the early 19th century, its official recognition in scientific literature was marked by a detailed description found in the second edition of the “Dictionary of Natural Sciences” published in 1825, illustrating its established importance in botanical studies.

This remarkable species exemplifies adaptation and resilience, thriving across a diverse geographical range from Macaronesia through the Mediterranean region and extending as far as Iran. The Spiny Golden Star is noted for its intriguing morphology, characterized by spiny leaves and radiant yellow flowers that resemble the golden rays of the sun, providing a visual spectacle against the often arid and rocky terrains it inhabits.

The plant’s robust nature allows it to flourish in challenging conditions, showcasing its ability to withstand the elements while contributing significantly to the biodiversity of some of the world’s most environmentally varied locations. Its presence in these regions underscores the adaptability and survival mechanisms that are hallmarks of the Asteraceae family.

Whether adorning the Mediterranean landscapes with its bright blossoms or enduring the environments of Iran, Pallenis spinosa remains a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its rich history and widespread appeal continue to make it a significant focus for ongoing botanical research and conservation efforts.

Common Names

En: Spiny Golden Star, Spiny Starwort, Spiny Fleabane, Spiny Golden-star
Ca: Gravit
Fi: Otakeltatähti
Fr: Astérolide épineux, Buphthalme épineux, Pallénis épineux
De: Stechendes Sternauge, Stachliges Sternauge
He: מוצית קוצנית
It: Asterisco spinoso
Pt: Pampilho-espinhoso
Es: Castañuela, Estrellada espinosa
: Spiny golden star

Synonyms

• Bubonium spinosum ((L.) Hill)
• Buphthalmum spinosum (L.)
• Asteriscus spinosus ((L.) Sch.Bip.)
• Athalmum spinosum ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (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)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 30, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Ahmed Ghedjatti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2020 by Maria filyra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by plantadelpie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by plantadelpie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by Maria filyra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by José Manuel Bustillos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5385215)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:236401-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pallenis spinosa (L.) Cass.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6