Aquilegia magellensis explained

Aquilegia magellensis is a perennial species of plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Italy.

Description

Aquilegia magellensis grows to 20–45cm high with sky blue to violet-blue petals.

Taxonomy

The species was first named magellensis (after Ferdinand Magellan) in a collection of dried specimens collected by Rupert Huter,, and in 1877. This did not however meet the standard for valid publication, making Aquilegia magellensis a nomen nudum until formally described by Fabio Conti and Adriano Soldano in 2005.

Distribution and habitat

Aquilegia magellensis is endemic to central Italy, where it grows on calcareous cliffs at altitudes around 1400m.