Astrantia maxima explained

Astrantia maxima, (largest masterwort), is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.

Growing to 90cm (40inches) tall by 60cm (20inches) broad, it is an herbaceous perennial, used in gardens. It is hardy to USDA Zone: 4-9.[1] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2] [3]

Description

Astrantia maxima reaches on average of height. The stem is erect and glabrous, with little branches and few leaves. The basal leaves have a long petiole 10-, 3 to 7 lobes and toothed segments. Size: 8-. The cauline (borne on the stem as opposed to basal) leaves are generally two, sessile, amplexicaul and lanceolate-shaped with a trilobed apex. The inflorescence is umbrella-shaped, 2- in diameter. The floral bracts are numerous (10 - 20), 10- long, pinkish (sometimes white) with acuminate apex. The small flowers are pinkish-white. The central ones are hermaphrodite, while the external ones are male. The flowering period extends from May to July.

Reproduction

Astrantia maxima is an entomophilous plant, mainly pollinated by beetles, but also by other insects. This perennial plant reproduces itself also by means of buds present at the ground level.The plant can also be grown from seed for garden usage. The seeds require a 2-3 month period of cold stratification for germination to take place.[4]

Taxonomy

It was found by botanist Peter Simon Pallas[5] in 1790. It was first published and described by Pallas in 'Nova Acta Acad. Sci. Imp. Petrop. Hist. Acad.' Vol.7 on page 357 in 1793.[6] [7]

It was also previously known as the 'hellebore-leaved masterwort'.[8]

Etymology

The specific epithet maxima, meaning "largest",[9] distinguishes this species from its smaller relatives Astrantia minor and Astrantia major.

Distribution and habitat

These plants, native to Europe, are widespread in the Caucasus. They have been grown in the British Isles since 1804.[8]

In Turkey, they are common in woodlands and lush meadows, at an altitude of 1300- above sea level.[10]

Also common in Turkey is the subspecies Astrantia maxima Pallas subsp. haradjianii.[11]

Cultivation

Astrantia maxima grows well in the garden, given some shade and moisture. Its flowerheads provide summer colour in shades of red, pink and white. It is also rabbit resistant.[12] It is rated for hardiness, USDA zones 5 to 9.[13]

Cultivars

Notes and References

  1. Web site: astrantia maxima . perennials.com. 6 June 2014.
  2. Web site: RHS Plantfinder - Astrantia maxima . Royal Horticultural Society . 12 January 2018.
  3. Web site: Masterwort. bbc.co.uk. 6 June 2014.
  4. Web site: 2014. How to Grow, Propagate and Care for Masterwort Plants. thegardenhelper.com. 7 June 2014.
  5. Web site: Peter Simon . von Pallas. Astrantia maxima . 2011. alpinegardensociety.net. 13 June 2014.
  6. Web site: Astrantia maxima Pall. is an accepted name. 23 March 2012. plantlist.org. 19 January 2018.
  7. Web site: Apiaceae Astrantia maxima Pall.. 19 January 2018.
  8. Sims, John.
  9. Book: Stearn, William . 1972 . A Gardenerer's Dictionary of Plant Names . London . Cassell . 211 . 0304937215 .
  10. Web site: Ayla. Kaya. 2003. The genus Astrantia L. in Turkey: morphology and anatomy. hrcak.srce.hr. 6 June 2014.
  11. Web site: Ali . Kandem . 8 May 2007 . The Flora of Üzümlü -Sakaltutan (Erzincan-Gümüflhane) . Erzincan University . 6 . 13 June 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230639/http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/botany/issues/bot-08-32-4/bot-32-4-2-0705-4.pdf . 3 March 2016 .
  12. Web site: Claire. Austin. Astrantia maximaMasterwort. claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk. 6 June 2014. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025529/http://www.claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk/1133/astrantia-maxima-masterwort. dead.
  13. Web site: Todd. Boland. 19 December 2009. Masterful Masterworts. davesgarden.com. 9 June 2014.
  14. Book: [{{Google books|taGxynmhi54C|The Horticulture Gardener's Guides - Perennials|page=2|plainurl=yes}} The Horticulture Gardener's Guides - Perennials]. 2.
  15. Web site: Astrantia maxima 'Mark Fenwick' . https://archive.today/20140607101427/http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/A/Astrantia_maxima__Mark_Fenwick_/ . dead . 7 June 2014 . zipcodezoo.com . 7 June 2014 .
  16. Web site: 2002–2004. Astranita page . tripod.com. 7 June 2014.