Swiss treacle-mustard (Erysimum rhaeticum, Syst. Nat. 2: 503 (1821))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (Schleich. ex Hornem.) DC.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 2: 503 (1821)

Year: 1821

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erysimum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alps to NW. Italy

Description

Erysimum rhaeticum, commonly known as Swiss treacle-mustard, is a notable species within the Brassicaceae family. Originally described by Schleich. ex Hornem. and later classified by the eminent botanist De Candolle in 1821, this plant finds its natural habitat in the pristine alpine regions of Europe, particularly extending from the Alps to northwestern Italy.

Swiss treacle-mustard thrives in montane areas, where it is adapted to the rugged, often rocky terrain. This hardy plant is recognizable by its rosette of slender, lance-shaped leaves and its striking inflorescences. The blooms are primarily yellow, emitting a delicate fragrance that attracts a variety of alpine pollinators. The flowers, grouped in dense clusters, are a typical characteristic of mustard family members, known for their four-petaled floral structure.

This species plays a pivotal ecological role in its native habitat, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of alpine ecosystems. Its presence is often indicative of specific soil and climatic conditions unique to high-altitude environments. Moreover, Swiss treacle-mustard is of particular interest to botanists and ecologists studying the impacts of climate change on alpine flora, as its distribution and growth patterns may provide valuable insights into environmental shifts.

Erysimum rhaeticum is not just appreciated for its ecological significance; it also holds aesthetic value. Alpine gardeners and plant enthusiasts often seek this species for rock gardens and alpine collections, valuing its delicate beauty and resilience.

In summary, Erysimum rhaeticum (Swiss treacle-mustard) is a remarkable plant of the Brassicaceae family, distinguished by its alpine habitat, yellow flowers, and ecological importance. First classified in 1821, this species continues to intrigue scientists and plant lovers alike, symbolizing the resilience and diversity of alpine flora.

Common Names

En: Swiss Treacle-mustard
Nl: Zwitsers Steenraket
Fr: Vélar de Suisse, Vélar des Alpes rhétiques, Érysimum de Suisse, Érysimum rhétique
De: Schweizerischer Schotendotter, Schweizerischer Schöterich
It: Violaciocca Svizzera
: Swiss treacle-mustard

Synonyms

• Erysimum longifolium subsp. helveticum (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Erysimum segusianum (Jord.)
• Erysimum canescens subsp. rhaeticum ((Schleich. ex Hornem.) Arcang.)
• Erysimum helveticum var. rhaeticum ((Schleich. ex Hornem.) Thell.)
• Erysimum longifolium var. segusianum ((Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud)
• Erysimum schaererianum (Wallr.)
• Cheiranthus rhaeticus (Schleich. ex Hornem.)
• Erysimum helveticum subsp. rhaeticum ((Schleich. ex Hornem.) Janch.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

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

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

Fruit

Taken Mar 18, 2020 by Adrien Zucchelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Marco Scalisi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Bernard Magaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 22, 2017 by Alexandre Leluault (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2019 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 29, 2022 by Guerra Federico (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Marco Scalisi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2014 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Pierre Henry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Marie Cler (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3048140)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284134-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erysimum rhaeticum (Schleich. ex Hornem.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 4