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crucianella
Scientific Name: Crucianella
Family: Rubiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Crucianella and Phuopsis: A Detailed Look
This page provides information on plants from the genera Crucianella and Phuopsis, often referred to by the common name Crossworts.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Crucianella and Phuopsis
- Family: Rubiaceae (the Madder family)
- Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
- Binomial Name (for one species): Phuopsis stylosa Trin.
- Synonyms (for Phuopsis stylosa):
- Asperula ciliata Moench
- Crucianella stylosa
- Putoria calabrica Pers.
Distribution and Habitat
- Crucianella species are found from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia and the Arabian peninsula.
- Phuopsis stylosa (also known as Crucianella stylosa) originates from the Middle East.
- Crucianella maritima is a coastal species found in the Mediterranean.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Crucianella species are generally annual herbs, though some can be low shrubs.
- Phuopsis stylosa is a fast-growing, mat-forming perennial that can be used as a ground cover.
- It has whorls of pale green leaves and rounded heads of pink flowers.
- Height is typically around 15cm.
- Flowers are tubular and form a round bouquet at the end of the stems.
Ecological Role
- Phuopsis stylosa is noted for its vigorous growth and ground-covering properties.
Related Species and Varieties
- Within the Crucianella genus, there is a variety with deeper pink flowers called 'Purpurea'.
Further Information
- USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)