Eryngium alpinum, the alpine sea holly, alpine eryngo or queen of the Alps, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Apiaceae.

Description

Eryngium alpinum is a hemicryptophyte, its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis more or less erect with a few leaves. The roots are deep and robust.

The stems are solitary and erect, usually with three branches on the apex and with longitudinal purple stripes. This plant generally reaches about in height, It grows in subalpine scrub, rocky areas and wet pastures, preferably in limestone, at an altitude of above sea level.

Conservation

Wild populations of the species are in decline due to overcollection for ornamental use and habitat degradation from recreational activity and grazing. Numerous local extinctions of subpopulations have occurred.

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File:Eryngium alpinum Atlas Alpenflora.jpg|Eryngium alpinum from Atlas der Alenflora, 1882

File:Apiaceae - Eryngium alpinum-2.JPG|Form

File:IMG 7400-Eryngium alpinum 'Superbum'.jpg|Cultivar

File:Apiaceae - Eryngium alpinum-1.JPG|Inflorescences

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References

  • Flora Europaea: Eryngium alpinum
  • Acta Plantarum: Eryngium alpinum