Family: Scrophulariaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 620 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Scrophularia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Azores, NW. Africa, Europe
Description
Water betony, scientifically known as Scrophularia auriculata, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. Historically documented in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species has intrigued botanists and gardeners alike due to its widespread presence and unique characteristics.
This plant can be found flourishing in various regions, including the Azores, Northwest Africa, and parts of Europe. This broad distribution highlights its adaptability to different climates and environments. One of the more striking features of Water betony is the distinctive structure of its leaves and flowers, which have evolved remarkably to suit the various ecological niches it inhabits.
The leaves of Scrophularia auriculata are noted for their peculiar shape, resembling the structure of many other members of the Scrophulariaceae family. These leaves are often lanceolate to elliptic, contributing to the plant’s distinctive appearance. The flowers, usually minute and tubular, are adapted for pollination by a variety of insects, playing a critical role in the plant’s reproductive cycle.
Ecologically, Water betony is significant as it contributes to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. It serves as both a food source and a habitat for various pollinators and other small organisms. The presence of this species often indicates a well-balanced ecosystem, where flora and fauna thrive in harmony.
In traditional uses, Scrophularia auriculata has been explored for its potential medicinal properties, although detailed scientific studies are required to substantiate these claims comprehensively. Nonetheless, its place in folklore medicine highlights the plant’s longstanding relationship with human cultures across its geographic range.
Water betony’s resilience and adaptability make it a subject of interest for ecological and botanical studies. Researchers continue to explore its responses to environmental stressors, thereby gaining insights into the broader mechanisms of plant adaptation and survival in changing climates.
In summary, Water betony is not only a visually intriguing plant but also a valuable component of its natural habitats. Its rich history, ecological significance, and potential uses in traditional medicine make Scrophularia auriculata a plant worth knowing and preserving for future generations.
Common Names
Deu: geöhrte braunwurz
Eng: shoreline figwort, water betony, water figwort
Nld: geoord helmkruid
Fra: scrofulaire aquatique
Swe: vattenflenört
Est: vesi-sealõuarohi
Dan: øret brunrod
Cym: danhogen y dŵr, dannogen y dŵr, danogen y dwfr, goreunerth y dŵr, gornerth y dŵr, gwrnerth y dŵr
En: Water betony, Water figwort, Shoreline figwort
Ar: غدب أذني
Ca: Escrofulària aquàtica
Kw: Skaw an dowr
Da: Øret brunrod
Nl: Geoord helmkruid
Et: Vesi-sealõuarohi
Fi: Rantasyyläjuuri
Fr: Scrofulaire à oreillettes, Scrofulaire aquatique, Scrofulaire de Balbis, Scrophulaire à oreillettes, Scrophulaire aquatique, Scrophulaire auriculée, Scrophulaire de Balbis
De: Wasser-Braunwurz, Geöhrte Braunwurz
Ga: Donnlus uisce
It: Scrofularia acquatica
Es: Escrofularia acuática
Sv: Vattenflenört
Tr: Su sıraca otu
Cy: Gwrnerth y dŵr, Danhogen y Dŵr, Dannogen y Dŵr, Danogen y Dwfr, Goreunerth y Dŵr, Gornerth y Dŵr
Synonyms
- Scrophularia aquatica f. auriculata ((L.) Cout.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Chile Central (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
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.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2022 by F Ahmad (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2019 by domi mulkens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Guaita Raquel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2018 by Petra Ferreira (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Martine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2021 by Pierre Le Goff (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Martine (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 5, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2019 by georges krug (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 25, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Julien BARATAUD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170875)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:809039-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scrophularia auriculata L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Soil nutriments: 7