Linum campanulatum explained

Linum campanulatum is a perennial plant belonging to the Linaceae family.[1]

Description

Linum campanulatum reaches on average 10- in height.[2] The short stem is perennial, woody and glabrous, with long herbaceous annual branches. Leaves are alternate, up to 4 cm long and 1 cm wide. The shape of lower cauline leaves is quite variable. Usually they are obovate-obtuse, but in some cases may be spatulate-lanceolate. The upper cauline leaves are gradually reduced in width to become almost linear.

The inflorescence has 3-5 campanulate actinomorphic flowers, about in diameter, with five free sepals and five free petals. Petals are yellow, oblong-oval, 2.5-3.5 cm long.[2] The flowering period extends from May through June.[2] The flowers are hermaphrodite and pollinated by insects (entomophily). Fruit is a capsule with ten compartments, each containing one seed.

Distribution

This plant is widespread in the western Mediterranean, from Spain to northwestern Italy.[2]

Habitat

It prefers rocky places containing serpentinites, at an altitude of 300- above sea level.[2]

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Linum campanulatum M.Bieb..
  2. Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia – Edagricole – 1982. Vol. II, pag. 22