Sticky flax (Linum viscosum, Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 398 (1762))

Family: Linaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 398 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linum

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Germany to N. Spain and Slovenia

Description

Sticky flax, scientifically known as Linum viscosum, is a notable species within the Linaceae family. This plant was first described in the historical botanical literature “Species Plantarum,” 2nd edition, dated 1762, by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, signified in the citation by his abbreviated normative name, ‘L.’

This species inhabits a fairly broad geographical range, primarily found in regions spanning from southern Germany to northern Spain and extending to Slovenia. Such widespread distribution suggests that Linum viscosum is well-adapted to various temperate climatic conditions and soil types, making it an interesting subject for ecological and botanical studies.

Characteristically, sticky flax lives up to its common name with its viscid or sticky surface. The plant likely developed this trait as an adaptive strategy against herbivory and to manage water loss in its typically dry native environments. Like other members of the Linaceae family, this species exhibits beautiful, delicate flowers that contribute both ecological value and aesthetic enjoyment to the landscapes it adorns.

The adaptability and specific traits of Linum viscosum make it invaluable not only to the ecosystems it inhabits but also as a potential candidate for further horticultural and ecological research. Its presence in diverse European regions underscores its resilience and the unique adaptations it has evolved over centuries.

Common Names

Deu: klebriger lein
Swe: klibblin
Fra: lin visqueux
En: Sticky Flax
Ca: Lli viscós
Nl: Kleverig Vlas
Fr: Lin visqueux
De: Klebriger Lein
It: Lino malvino
Sv: Klibblin
: Sticky flax

Synonyms

• Linum viscosum var. brevistylum (Caldesi)
• Linum viscosum f. sylvestre ((Scop.) Vollm.)
• Linum viscosum var. sylvestre ((Scop.) DC.)
• Linum venustum (Andrews)
• Linum viscosum f. coeruleum (Caball.)
• Linum viscosum var. catalaunicum (Sennen)
• Linum viscosum var. longistylum (Caldesi)
• Linum sylvestre (Scop.)
• Linum hirsutum (DC.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Asd Syr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2020 by Delgado Caballero Fran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2016 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2018 by Gianni Giana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2018 by Şule Kuzpınarı (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.

Leaf

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Markus W. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Kirsten winner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Reinhard Knittel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Flora ZURA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 22, 2018 by Gianni Giana (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:544789-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4049081)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linum viscosum L.)

Specifications

Growth