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Alyssum serpyllifolium

Scientific Name: Alyssum serpyllifolium

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Alyssum serpyllifolium

Also known as Thyme-leaved Alison or Alpine Alyssum, Alyssum serpyllifolium is a perennial plant appreciated for its silvery-grey foliage and fragrant yellow flowers.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant forms a low, shrubby mound, which may be appealing to some animals.

Considerations for Children

  • Alyssum serpyllifolium grows to about 30 cm, so it may be within easy reach for young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Alyssum serpyllifolium Desf.
  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
  • Synonyms:
    • Alyssum alpestre subsp. serpyllifolium (Desf.) Rouy & Foucaud
    • Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum T.R. Dudley & P. Silva
    • Meniocus serpyllifolius (M. Bieb.)
    • Alyssum serpyllifolium M.Bieb.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Alyssum serpyllifolium is native to the Iberian Peninsula and is also found in other Mediterranean and mountainous regions of France.
  • It thrives in ultramafic soils, including serpentine soils.
  • It is commonly found in rock gardens, alpine troughs, gravel gardens, and scree environments.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It forms a low, shrubby mound, typically with stems up to 30cm in length.
  • The leaves are evergreen, silvery-grey, oblanceolate to spathulate, up to 1.8cm long, grey to grey-green above, and grey or white underneath.
  • It produces masses of fragrant, soft-yellow flowers in mid to late spring.
  • It has a slow growth rate.

Ecological Role

  • Some subspecies, such as Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum, are known to be nickel hyperaccumulators. This means they can accumulate high concentrations of nickel in their tissues.

Quirky Facts

  • Alyssum serpyllifolium was described in 1798 by Ren Louiche Desfontaines, and the name is considered validly published.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • The Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) for Alyssum serpyllifolium is 823163.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It has been studied for its metal uptake and nickel tolerance, particularly in serpentine soils.

Resources and Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • International Plant Names Index
  • USDA Plant Hardiness Map
  • NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
  • EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)