Woolly rock-jasmine (Androsace villosa, Sp. Pl.: 142 (1753))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 142 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Androsace

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Mongolia and NW. Himalaya, Morocco

Description

Woolly rock-jasmine, known scientifically as Androsace villosa, is an intriguing plant species that traces its origins and spread across a vast geographical expanse. This delicate plant holds a firm place within the Primulaceae family, renowned for its charming, yet modest floral members.

First documented in 1753 by the botanist L., Woolly rock-jasmine demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability, thriving in varied climatic conditions from the rugged terrains of Europe all the way to the temperate reaches of Mongolia and the northwestern Himalayas. Its range also extends southward to the mountains of Morocco, where the plant continues to be a subject of botanical interest.

Characterized by small, woolly leaves and dainty blossoms, Androsace villosa is a testament to nature’s ability to flourish in seemingly inhospitable environments. The plant often finds sanctuary in rocky, alpine regions where it garners admiration for its subtle beauty and tenacious spirit.

Whether as a subject of study for botanists or a charming addition to an alpine garden, Woolly rock-jasmine holds a unique place in the tapestry of plant life. Its ability to bridge continents with its presence underscores the incredible adaptability and continuity of life.

Common Names

En: Woolly Rock-jasmine, Woolly Rockjasmine
Ar: رقاقس وبري
Bg: Туфест оклоп
Ca: Andròsace pilosa
Cs: Pochybek huňatý
Fi: Nukkanukki
Fr: Androsace velue
De: Zottiger Mannsschild
It: Androsace appenninica
Ro: Lăptișor
Sk: Pochybok huňatý
: Woolly rock-jasmine

Synonyms

• Aretia villosa ((L.) Bubani)
• Primula villosa ((L.) Lam.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (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.

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

Flower

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by heijkamp marjan (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2008 by Charles Petit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2018 by Manuel Ortiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2017 by Ilaria Pozzi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 4, 2021 by Simon Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2011 by ivo golob (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Frédérique Berato (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2018 by Manuel Ortiz (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

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

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:700470-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7903019)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Androsace villosa L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 1