ERYNGIUM TERNATUM

Family and Genus:- See- UMBELLIFERAE

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- None

Meaning:- Eryngium (Gr) A name used by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus for

sea holly.

Ternatum (L) With parts in threes, ternate.

General description:- Perennial.

Stems:-

1) 30-70 cm, erect, rather weak and slender, somewhat glaucous above.

Leaves:-

1) Basal, persistent, slightly coriaceous, 3-sect;

a) segments, 10-30 x 0·5-1 cm, linear, undivided, with soft, ascending marginal

spines.

b) petiole, narrowly winged.

Flowers:-

1) Inflorescence, with 3-6 pedunculate hemispherical capitula, 1·5-2 cm.

2) Bracts, 2-3 cm, 5-9, linear-acuminate, usually with a pair of spinescent teeth

near the base;

a) bracteoles, 3-cuspidate.

3) Sepals, 2-3 mm, ovate, shortly aristate

Key features:-

1) Capitula, less than 4 cm.

2) Basal leaves, 3- to 7-sect, persistent, with linear segments 10-30 x 0·2-4 cm.

3) Inflorescence, with 3-6 capitula.

Click here for a glossary of terms used

Habitat:- Crevices of vertical or somewhat overhanging limestone cliffs, mostly in

narrow gorges. 100-600 m.

Distribution:- Endemic W. & C. Crete, rare.

Flowering time:- June-Aug.

Photos by:- Fotis Samaritakis