Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Unknown
Year: Unknown
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gnaphalium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Unknown
Description
The plant commonly known as Zwerg-ruhrkraut, scientifically referred to as Gnaphalium supinum, is a member of the Asteraceae family. This family is notable for its diversity and includes many well-known plants such as daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. Despite the lack of a specific bibliography or author details beyond “L.” and the absence of observational data, the Gnaphalium supinum stands out for its unique characteristics.
Zwerg-ruhrkraut is a diminutive, hardy perennial that thrives in alpine and subalpine regions. Typically found in high-altitude environments, this plant has adapted well to harsh conditions, often growing in rocky, nutrient-poor soils where few other plants can survive. It forms low-growing mats or tufts, characterized by densely packed, woolly leaves that provide a distinctive silver-grey appearance. This woolly coating not only gives the plant its unique texture but also helps to protect it from cold temperatures and reduce water loss, crucial adaptations for survival in its native habitats.
The flowers of Gnaphalium supinum are small, arranged in compact clusters that are usually creamy white or yellowish in color. These blossoms emerge in the summer and are typically pollinated by various alpine insects that are specially adapted to the cool, high-altitude climates. Despite their modest appearance, the flowers play a vital role in the alpine ecosystem, providing a food source for pollinators during the short growing season.
While specific human uses or cultural significance of Zwerg-ruhrkraut are not well documented, plants in the Gnaphalium genus have historically been used in traditional medicine, often for their purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Whether or not Gnaphalium supinum shares these uses remains an area ripe for further research.
In summary, Gnaphalium supinum, or Zwerg-ruhrkraut, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family, adapted to thrive in some of the most challenging growing conditions on earth. Its unique physical characteristics and ecological role make it an interesting subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
En: Zwerg-Ruhrkraut, Alpine arctic cudweed, Dwarf Cudweed
Ca: Gnafali nan
Fi: Lumijäkkärä
Fr: Gnaphale couché, Gnaphale nain
De: Zwerg-Ruhrkraut, Niedriges Ruhrkraut
It: Canapicchia glaciale
Nb: Dverggråurt
Nn: Dverggråurt
Sv: Fjällnoppa, Lumijäkkärä
Cy: Coredafeddog y Mynydd, Edafeddog Coraidd y Mynydd
Synonyms
Distribution
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Christophe Christophe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Christophe Christophe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 28, 2003 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 16, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gnaphalium supinum L.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5390790)