Spring rock-cress (Arabis verna, W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 4: 105 (1812))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) R.Br.

Bibliography: W.T.Aiton, Hortus Kew. 4: 105 (1812)

Year: 1812

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arabis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

Spring rock-cress, scientifically known as Arabis verna, is an exquisite member of the Brassicaceae family. This plant was meticulously described by the botanist W.T. Aiton in his comprehensive work, “Hortus Kewensis,” in 1812. Initially classified by Carl Linnaeus, it was later reassigned by Robert Brown, adding to its rich botanical history.

Commonly found in the Mediterranean region, Spring rock-cress thrives in rocky and arid landscapes, adapting well to environments that typical vegetation might find challenging. Its resilience and hardiness make it a fascinating specimen for botanists and horticulturists alike.

The plant generally blooms in the spring, as its name suggests, adorning the often harsh terrain with its delicate white to pinkish flowers. These blossoms provide a stark, beautiful contrast against the rocky backdrops of its native habitat. The leaves of Arabis verna are typically small and form a rosette at the base, providing a dense ground cover that can withstand the Mediterranean climate’s dry conditions.

Spring rock-cress is not just a visual delight but also a plant of interest for ecological studies and conservation efforts due to its ability to thrive in less hospitable environments. This remarkable adaptability contributes significantly to the biodiversity of its native regions.

Understanding the growth patterns and conditions favorable to Arabis verna can offer insights into broader ecological processes and environmental adaptation strategies. It continues to be a subject of study, not only for its botanical charm but also for its ecological significance in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Common Names

En: Spring Rock-cress
Fr: Arabette de printemps, Arabette du printemps
He: ארביס אביבי
It: Arabetta primaverile
: Spring rock-cress

Synonyms

• Arabis verna var. leiocarpa (H.Lindb.)
• Turritis purpurea (Lam.)
• Arabis violacea (Moench)
• Arabis verna var. dasycarpa (Godr. ex Rouy & Foucaud)
• Arabis verna var. hebecarpa (H.Lindb.)
• Turrita vernalis (Bubani)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Philippe Prat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Dec 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre CROUZET (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Apr 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Philippe Prat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Esra Gauthier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Romero Sánchez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (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.

© 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/5374962)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:278713-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arabis verna (L.) R.Br.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8194087)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 6