Wall valantia (Valantia muralis, Sp. Pl.: 1051 (1753))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1051 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Valantia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit.

Description

Wall valantia, scientifically named Valantia muralis, is a distinctive plant species well-regarded for its adaptability and presence across various regions, particularly within the Mediterranean. Described initially in the seminal botanical work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant has continued to capture the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.

Belonging to the family Rubiaceae, Valantia muralis displays characteristics typical of its taxonomic group, which includes a wide variety of both decorative and ecologically significant plants. Though modest in size, Wall valantia makes up for its diminutive stature with its robust growth habits and resilience in diverse environmental conditions.

Predominantly found in Mediterranean climates, Wall valantia thrives in regions characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This hardiness is reflective of its evolutionary adaptations, enabling it to successfully inhabit and often flourish in rocky, nutrient-poor soils where few other plants might prosper.

The study and appreciation of Valantia muralis not only enhance our understanding of plant adaptability and ecology within its native Mediterranean habitat but also continue to underscore the intrinsic value and biodiversity of the Rubiaceae family.

Common Names

En: Wall Valantia
Fr: Vaillantie des murs
De: Mauer-Schuttkraut, Mauer-Vaillantie
He: חגווית החומות
It: Erba-croce comune

Synonyms

• Valantia quadriflora (Moench)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Clement Devaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Clement Devaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2014 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2021 by Rosalia Pavia (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Daniel Wrench (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Noya Jordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Leo Giardi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jame LAGARRIGUE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Pierre LE GALL (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Dec 27, 2021 by Rosalia Pavia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jame LAGARRIGUE (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 Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

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

Taken May 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2894036)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:769669-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Valantia muralis L.)

Specifications

Growth