Thorny burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum, Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. sér. 3, 5:43. 1846)

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Spach

Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. sér. 3, 5:43. 1846

Year: 1846

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sarcopoterium

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Medit.

Description

Thorny burnet, known scientifically as Sarcopoterium spinosum, is a characteristic member of the Rosaceae family. This plant was first recorded in 1846 by the esteemed botanist Spach in his publication “Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique” (Annual of Natural Sciences, Botany).

Recognized for its hardiness, thorny burnet is native to the Mediterranean region, encompassing both Central and Eastern areas. The plant thrives in this temperate climate, adapting well to the dry, rocky soils typically found in its natural habitat. Its resilience has allowed it to flourish in an environment where other vegetation may struggle.

This perennial shrub is easily identifiable by its dense, thorny branches which serve as a natural deterrent to browsing animals, making it a vital component of the local ecosystem. Sarcopoterium spinosum not only contributes to biodiversity but also plays a role in preventing soil erosion with its robust root system anchoring the soil.

The thorny burnet’s foliage is small and tough, adapted to conserve water during the arid summer months. Come spring, the plant adorns itself with tiny, inconspicuous flowers which later give way to small fruits. While not showy, these blooms are an essential source of nectar for pollinators like bees, thereby supporting the area’s insect population.

Historically, and even in modern times, thorny burnet has been valued for its medicinal properties. Traditional uses of the plant have included treatments for various ailments, taking advantage of the naturally occurring compounds within its structure. This botanical gem of the Mediterranean not only exemplifies the resilience of nature but also illustrates the intricate relationships within its ecosystem.

Common Names

Deu: dornstrauch-wiesenknopf
Eng: thorny burnet
Swe: taggpimpinell
En: Thorny Burnet
De: Dornstrauch-Wiesenknopf
He: סירה קוצנית
It: Spinaporci
Sv: Taggpimpinell
: Thorny burnet

Synonyms

• Poterium spinosum (L.)
• Sanguisorba spinosa ((L.) Bertol.)
• Pimpinella spinosa (Gaertn.)
• Bencomia spinosa ((L.) G.Nicholson)
• Poterium spinosum var. inerme (DC.)
• Poterium spinosum var. crispum (DC.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Fotis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by Georgios Leventis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2020 by Daskalantonakis Manolis (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 28, 2020 by Pokotilo Olga (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Andreotti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2008 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.

Fruit

Taken May 15, 2019 by gerry westmacott (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2020 by Aviva🌸 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Annette Bejany (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2020 by Daskalantonakis Manolis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by Antonelli Antonella (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Inna2208 Inna2208 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2021 by Tolga COSKUN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 4, 2019 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by emmanuel Buisson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2019 by Caroline Bourdillon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by Ellen Marie Moysons (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Francois Jonot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3001879)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:741428-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach)

Specifications

Growth