Iberis saxatilis, the rock candytuft, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae, native to southern Europe and northwest Africa.[1][2] The species is typically used as an ornamental rock and alpine garden perennial plant because of its decorative flowers and cascading growth habit.[1] Iberis is so named because many members of the genus come from the Iberian Peninsula in south west Europe.[1] The species name saxatilis means "growing among rocks," referring to the preferred substrate of this species.[1]
| Iberis saxatilis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Iberis |
| Species: | I. saxatilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Iberis saxatilis | |
| Synonyms | |
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Biauricula saxatilis (L.) Bubani | |
Range
editThe natural range for this species is Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Balkan Peninsula, the Crimean Peninsula, and Morocco.[1][2] In 2017, a new subspecies—Iberis saxatilis subsp. magnesiana—was identified in Turkey.[3]
Description
editThis species is a spreading and low-growing perennial.[1] Depending on the wintertime harshness of its environment, it may be evergreen or semi-evergreen.[1] It produces numerous snowflake-like white flowers, the petals of which take on a pink or purple tinge with age.[1] The plant is able to spread via adventitious rooting of stems that make contact with soil.[1]
Cultivation
editRock candytuft is typically grown in gardens that simulate the rocky alpine conditions of the plant's natural habitat.[1] It thrives and flowers best in full sun with well-drained soil, but will tolerate partial shade.[1] Poorly drained soil often causes crown rot in this species.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Iberis saxatilis". Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
- ^ a b "Iberis saxatilis". Kew Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
- ^ Oskay, Dilek (9 May 2017). "A new subspecies of Iberis saxatilis (Brassicaceae) from Turkey". Phytotaxa. 306 (2): 153. doi:10.11646/phytotaxa.306.2.5. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
External links
edit- Kew Plants of the World Online profile for Iberis saxatilis
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility profile for Iberis saxatilis
- World Flora Pl@ntNet profile for Iberis saxatilis
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