Iberis saxatilis
Iberis saxatilis | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Brassicales |
Family: | Brassicaceae |
Genus: | Iberis |
Species: | I. saxatilis
|
Binomial name | |
Iberis saxatilis | |
Synonyms | |
Biauricula saxatilis (L.) Bubani |
Iberis saxatilis, the rock candytuft, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to southern Europe and northwest Africa.[1][2] The species is typically used as an ornamental rock and alpine garden perennial plant because of its decorative flowers and cascading growth habit.[1] Iberis is so named because many members of the genus come from the Iberian Peninsula in south west Europe.[1] The species name saxatilis means "growing among rocks," referring to the preferred substrate of this species.[1]
Range
[edit]The natural range for this species is Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Balkan Peninsula, the Crimean Peninsula, and Morocco.[1][2] In 2017, a new subspecies—Iberis saxatilis subsp. magnesiana—was identified in Turkey.[3]
Description
[edit]This species is a spreading and low-growing perennial.[1] Depending on the wintertime harshness of its environment, it may be evergreen or semi-evergreen.[1] It produces numerous snowflake-like white flowers, the petals of which take on a pink or purple tinge with age.[1] The plant is able to spread via adventitious rooting of stems that make contact with soil.[1]
Cultivation
[edit]Rock candytuft is typically grown in gardens that simulate the rocky alpine conditions of the plant's natural habitat.[1] It thrives and flowers best in full sun with well-drained soil, but will tolerate partial shade.[1] Poorly drained soil often causes crown rot in this species.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Iberis saxatilis". Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
- ^ a b "Iberis saxatilis". Kew Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
- ^ Oskay, Dilek (9 May 2017). "A new subspecies of Iberis saxatilis (Brassicaceae) from Turkey". Phytotaxa. 306 (2): 153. doi:10.11646/phytotaxa.306.2.5. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
External links
[edit]- Kew Plants of the World Online profile for Iberis saxatilis
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility profile for Iberis saxatilis
- World Flora Pl@ntNet profile for Iberis saxatilis