SafePlants

Reseda phyteuma: Rampion Mignonette

Reseda phyteuma, commonly known as rampion mignonette or corn mignonette, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Resedaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Reseda phyteuma L.
• Family: Resedaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Pectanisia phyteuma (L.) Raf., Reseda litigiosa Sennen et Pau
• Subspecies: Reseda phyteuma subsp. aragonensis

Distribution and Habitat

Rampion mignonette originates from the Mediterranean region. It has been introduced to various areas, including South Australia (where it was first found in vineyards at Clare in 1986) and Australia, and is also found in Morocco. The plant is well adapted to the climates of southern Australia and New Zealand.

Ecological Role

In some regions, rampion mignonette is considered an agricultural weed. It is an introduced annual or short-lived perennial that has the potential to become widespread. It has been reported to affect wheat, faba beans, and subterranean clover crops.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Rampion mignonette is an annual or biennial plant, reaching a height of 0.3 meters (approximately 1 foot).
• The plant is upright, with basal branches growing upwards, typically reaching 10-50 cm high.
• As a forb/herb, it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It flowers from June to August.
• The flowers are hermaphrodite.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Rampion mignonette is known to have pests and problems.
• It is mentioned as being found as a weed in cornfields.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds.
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF) has a species page for Reseda phyteuma.
• Discover Life provides information on the natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Reseda phyteuma.