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fruit rockcress

Scientific Name: Arabis fructicosa

Family: Brassicaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Fruit Rockcress (Arabis fructicosa)

Fruit Rockcress, scientifically known as Arabis fructicosa, is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It's also referred to as Fruit Rock Cress.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) family, it is prudent to monitor consumption by pets, as some members of this family can cause gastrointestinal upset.
  • The plant produces fruit in the form of siliques (pods) and seeds, which may present a choking hazard for smaller animals if consumed.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces fruit in the form of siliques (pods) and seeds, which may present a choking hazard for young children if consumed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arabis fructicosa A. Nelson
  • Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
  • Synonyms/Related Species:
    • Arabis hirsuta (Hairy Rockcress)
    • Boechera (rockcress) - a related genus within the Brassicaceae family
    • Arabidopsis petraea (Northern Rock-cress, Cardaminopsis petraea)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Graham's rockcress is found across northern and alpine North America.
  • Running eared-rockcress is native to southeastern Europe and occasionally introduced in North America.
  • Waldo rockcress (Arabis aculeolata) is another example, but no specific range is listed.
  • Native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Fruit:
    • Many-seeded silique (a type of dry fruit specific to the mustard family).
    • Typically narrow and cylindrical, varying in length from 2 to 10 cm depending on the species.
    • May be straight or curved.
    • Splits open lengthwise when ripe to release seeds.
  • Flowers: Small, white to purple, arranged in elongated racemes.
  • Other: Stellate trichomes (star-shaped hairs) may be present.
  • Evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit.

Ecological Role

  • Rockcress is deer-resistant.
  • Important early spring pollinator.

Quirky Facts

  • Rock cress thrives in difficult conditions, such as cracks between stones, exhibiting a preference for "tough love."

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arabis fructicosa.
  • The Plant List, ToL (Tree of Life Web Project), BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library), and WikiSpecies are listed as resources for further research.