Aconitum degenii is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family known by the common name branched monkshood .

Aconitum degenii
Aconitum degenii, inflorescence
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Aconitum
Species:
A. degenii
Binomial name
Aconitum degenii
Synonyms

Aconitum camarum[1]
Aconitum cernuum[1]
Aconitum flexicaule[1]
Aconitum humile[1]
Aconitum molle[1]
Aconitum neomontanum[1]
Aconitum paniculatum[1]
Aconitum parviflorum[1]
Aconitum prutense[1]
Aconitum reflexum[1]
Aconitum wilemetianum[1]

Distribution

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This wildflower is native to Europe (south, south-east) where it grows in subalpine areas. Inhabited biotops include tall herbaceous vegetation and deciduous forests.[2]

Description

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Aconitum degenii is a tall spindly erect to scandent forb which is perennial from rhizomes. It has divided leaves. The flowering period extends primarily from July to September. The inflorescence is paniculate and branched. The perigon is blue or purple. The helmet is about as high as it is wide or less high. The nectar leaves have a curved stem. The spur is slightly bent back. The plant reaches a stature height between 0.5 and 2.5 m. The pollination is done by insects (Bombus spec. and others). The fruits are pod-like follicles.[2] Aconitum degenii is poisonous due to the presence of alkaloids like aconitine.

Subspecies

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Currently 2 subspecies are accepted:[1]

  • Aconitum degenii subsp. paniculatum (Arcang.) Mucher
  • Aconitum degenii subsp. valesiacum (Gáyer) Mucher

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l The Plant List (KEW): Aconitum degenii (2018-04-03)
  2. ^ a b Jäger et al.: Rothmaler - Exkursionsflora von Deutschland, Bd. 2. Aufl. 20, Spektrum akadem. Verlag.