Anemone hortensis, commonly called broad-leaved anemone, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant with an underground rhizome, in buttercup family Ranunculaceae. The genus name comes from the Greek ἄνεμος (ánemos, meaning "wind"), as an ancient legend tells that the flowers open only when the wind blows. The species name hortensis (from Latin hortus, meaning "vegetable garden") refers to the easiness with which this plant can be cultivated.

Anemone hortensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Anemone
Species:
A. hortensis
Binomial name
Anemone hortensis
Synonyms
  • Anemone stellata Lam.

Description

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Anemone hortensis reaches on average 20–40 centimetres (7.9–15.7 in) of height. The stem is erect and pubescent. The basal leaves have a petiole 5–10 centimetres (2.0–3.9 in) long and are palmate or “hand-shaped”, with 3-5 toothed lobes. The solitary flowers are fragrant and range in color from white-bluish or mauve to red-purple, with a diameter of 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in). They have 12-20 lanceolate and acute petals, with numerous bluish or violet stamens and blue anthers. The flowering period extends from March through May. This plant is pollinated by wind or dispersed by animals.[clarification needed]

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Flower of Anemone hortensis
 
Close-up on Anemone hortensis
 
Flower of Anemone hortensis
 
Flower of Anemone hortensis
 
Leaves of Anemone hortensis

Distribution

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This plant is endemic to Mediterranean basin and it is distributed in France, Italy, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, North Macedonia Montenegro and Turkey

Habitat

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These plants grow at an altitude of 0–1,200 metres (0–3,937 ft) above sea level (rarely up to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft)). They are found in woods, vineyards, lawns and bushes.

References

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  • "Botanica. The Illustrated AZ of over 10000 garden plants and how to cultivate them", p. 92. Könemann, 2004. ISBN 3-8331-1253-0
  • Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia - Edagricole – 1982 – Vol. I, pag. 293
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