Λειμώνιο το ραβδωτό
Etymology of Limonium virgatum
The name "Limonium" originates from the Ancient Greek word "λειμώνιον" [limonion], which derives from the word "λειμώνιος" [limonios], meaning "of the harbour", referring to the coastal areas that many of the genus's species grow. "Virgatum" is Latin and means "made of twigs striped" and probably refers to the appearance of the inflorescences, striped because of the vertical position of the pedicels and calyxes on the branches/stems forming stripes.
Limoniums in Cyprus
Limoniums in Cyprus are plenty and rare; there are ten Limonium species in Cyprus and one cross-species. The majority of them can be found in South-Eastern Cyprus, in the Paralimni region. At least two of them are endangered.
Limonium virgatum in Cyprus
Limonium virgatum is the most common of the common Limoniums that are encountered in Cyprus. It grows coastally on rocky, salty or sandy places, marshes, salt lakes or coasts up to an altitude of 150 metres, almost all around Cyprus. Its flowering period is from May until August.
Physical characteristics of Limonium virgatum
Limonium virgatum is a perennial chamaephyte that forms loose to dense tufts or small cushions. The plant is completely hairless (glabrous). It has numerous, slender, dichotomously branched stems that are typically 10-30 cm tall, with some reaching up to 50 cm. A key feature is the presence of sterile, non-flowering branches and the lack of wings on the stems. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette. They are simple, linear-spathulate (narrow and spoon-shaped), with a single vein, measuring 30-55 mm in length and 4-9 mm in width.
Flowers and Fruiting
The flowers of Limonium virgatum are radially symmetrical and appear pink or violet, often with darker veins. They are arranged in branched inflorescences with many non-flowering branches. The corolla is 8 mm long, with five partially fused petals, and the flower contains five stamens. The spikes are dense, unilateral, and 20-40 mm long, with 2-3 curved spikelets and rusty-brown bracts. The calyx is 5-6 mm long with five ribs. The fruit consists of dry, membranous capsules enclosed by the persistent corolla. The flowering period for this plant is from May to August, and can sometimes extend into September.
Habitat and Distribution
This species is widespread across the Mediterranean region and is indigenous to Cyprus. It is the most common Limonium species found on the island, distributed almost throughout. Limonium virgatum thrives in coastal areas, including rocky, sandy, or salty places, salt marshes, and dry, open shrubby vegetation, at altitudes up to 150 meters.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of Limonium virgatum varies by region. It is classified as "Least Concern" (LC) or "Lower Risk" (LR) in Sicily, indicating stable populations. However, it was previously listed as "endangered" on the 2000 IUCN Red List. This difference highlights how conservation assessments can change over time and vary based on local population health. In Cyprus, its status is considered indigenous and widespread, suggesting it is not currently threatened on the island.
Key identification characteristics of Limonium virgatum
- Limonium virgatum's leaves are simple, linear-spathulate (narrow and spoon-shaped), with a single vein, measuring 30-55 mm in length and 4-9 mm in width.
- The stem is not winged (When a plant's stem is described as "not winged," it means that the stem is generally smooth and round, lacking any flattened, ridge-like, or blade-like extensions running along its length. In many plant species, these "wings" are a distinctive feature, often formed by the tissue of the leaves running down the stem after they've attached. For Limonium virgatum, the mention that its stem is not winged is an important detail for identification, as it helps distinguish it from other species that might have this specific characteristic. In simple terms, you wouldn't find any thin, fin-like structures on the stem, which helps confirm its identity as Limonium virgatum).
