Star-mustard (Coincya monensis, Willdenowia 13: 87 (1983))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (L.) Greuter & Burdet

Bibliography: Willdenowia 13: 87 (1983)

Year: 1983

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Coincya

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe to W. Medit.

Description

The Star-mustard, scientifically known as Coincya monensis, is a captivating plant that falls under the Brassicaceae family. This botanical gem was first described by the renowned botanists Greuter and Burdet in the authoritative botanical journal, Willdenowia, in its 13th volume published in 1983.

Native to Western Europe and the Western Mediterranean region, Coincya monensis thrives in these temperate locales, displaying a fascinating adaptability to the specific environmental conditions of these areas. It is well-regarded for its distinctive attributes and plays a significant role in the ecological tapestry of its native habitats.

The plant’s common name, Star-mustard, is derived from the characteristic appearance of its flowers or possibly the arrangement of its leaves, which bear a striking resemblance to a star pattern. This unique visual signature makes the Star-mustard not only an important subject of botanical interest but also an attractive ornamental species.

Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, which includes many economically important crops such as cabbages, mustards, and their relatives, Coincya monensis shares several botanical traits typical of this group. These include the structure of its flowers and seed pods, which are hallmarks of the family and contribute to its reproductive strategies.

In terms of its botanical significance, the detailed study and classification performed by Greuter and Burdet highlight the importance of this species within its native ecosystems. The documented research in Willdenowia stands as a key scholarly resource, encapsulating the plant’s unique characteristics and its role within the broader context of floral biodiversity in Western Europe and the Western Mediterranean.

In summary, Coincya monensis or Star-mustard is a noteworthy species of the Brassicaceae family, celebrated for its distinctive star-like appearance and its ecological presence in Western Europe and Western Mediterranean regions. The meticulous work of Greuter and Burdet in the early 1980s has provided a substantial foundation for understanding and appreciating this remarkable plant.

Common Names

Deu: lacksenf, schnabelsenf
Eng: star-mustard
Nld: muurbloemmosterd
Swe: lacksenap/brittsenap
Nob: lakksennep
Nno: lakksennep
En: Star-mustard
Nl: Muurbloemmosterd
De: Lacksenf, Schnabelsenf
Nb: Lakksennep
Nn: Lakksennep
Sv: Lacksenap/brittsenap

Synonyms

• Brassica monensis ((L.) Huds.)
• Brassicella monensis ((L.) O.E.Schulz)
• Sinapis monensis ((L.) Bab.)
• Rhynchosinapis monensis ((L.) Dandy)
• Hutera monensis ((L.) Gómez-Campo)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 23, 2018 by mm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Farzan Nasr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2021 by Wilma Joosten-Gerrits (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2022 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

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

Leaf

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Jesus Pereiras (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2020 by francoise Godin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Bruno MACÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2021 by katsou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

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

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:912252-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3040600)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Coincya monensis (L.) Greuter & Burdet)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 5