Yellow centaury (Cicendia filiformis, Fl. Auvergne, ed. 2: 29 (1800))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: (L.) Delarbre

Bibliography: Fl. Auvergne, ed. 2: 29 (1800)

Year: 1800

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cicendia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, W. Europe to Medit.

Description

Yellow centaury, scientifically known as Cicendia filiformis, is a delicate and intriguing plant species that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. This plant was first documented in detail in the early 19th century, with a significant reference found in the second edition of “Flora Auvergne,” published in 1800 by the botanist Delarbre.

Endemic to the Azores, and spanning across Western Europe to the Mediterranean, Yellow centaury thrives in these diverse regions, indicative of its adaptable nature and resilient characteristics. This plant is typically found in moist, acidic soils, often inhabiting damp meadows and heathlands. Despite its geographical spread, Yellow centaury is considered to be rather rare and is an exciting find for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The Yellow centaury is named for its striking appearance, featuring slender, wiry stems that can grow up to 15 centimeters tall. Atop these stems sit small, bright yellow flowers, which are especially eye-catching against the backdrop of their natural habitats. Each flower is a testament to nature’s intricate design, often heralded for its beauty and symmetry.

From a botanical perspective, Cicendia filiformis is notable not only for its visual appeal but also for its ecological role. As a member of the Gentianaceae family, it is related to a group of plants commonly known for their beneficial properties and traditional uses in herbal medicine. Though less documented, it is intriguing to consider the potential uses and historical significance of Yellow centaury within this context.

In conclusion, the Yellow centaury, or Cicendia filiformis, is a captivating plant that enriches the biodiversity of the Azores and the wider Mediterranean region. Its fine stems and radiant yellow blossoms make it a plant of interest both scientifically and aesthetically. Despite its somewhat elusive nature, the Yellow centaury continues to inspire and intrigue those committed to exploring and preserving the botanical wonders of our world.

Common Names

Dan: bitterblad, trådbitterblad
Deu: europäischer fadenenzian, fadenenzian, fadenenzian, zindelkraut, fadenförmiges zindelkraut
Fra: cicendie filiforme
Nld: draadgentiaan
Eng: yellow centaury, slender cicendia
Swe: hedgentiana
Cym: canri felen eiddil, y ganrhi felen eiddil
En: Yellow centaury, Slender Cicendia
Da: Bitterblad, Trådbitterblad
Nl: Draadgentiaan
Fi: Nummikatkeroinen
Fr: Cicendie filiforme, Gentiane filiforme
De: Fadenförmiges Zindelkraut, Heide-Zindelkraut, Europäischer Fadenenzian, Fadenenzian, Fadenenzian, Zindelkraut, Zindelkraut
It: Cicendia comune
Sv: Hedgentiana
Cy: Y ganrhi felen eiddil, Canri Felen Eiddil

Synonyms

• Erythraea luteola (Pers.)
• Franquevillia minima (Gray)
• Hippion filiforme ((L.) F.W.Schmidt)
• Centaurium filiforme ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Exacum pulchellum (Pursh)
• Cicendiola filiformis ((L.) Bubani)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Tasmania (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.

Flower

Taken May 6, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by sophie begin (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by sophie begin (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 26, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by sophie begin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3841406)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:366948-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cicendia filiformis (L.) Delarbre)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

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

Soil nutriments: 2