Kingdom Plantae Rank Species | Genus Astrantia | |
 | ||
Similar Astrantia major, Astrantia, Astrantia carniolica, Astrantia minor, Astrantia bavarica | ||
Astrantia maxima zeeuws knoopje
Astrantia maxima, common name great masterwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. Also previously known as the 'hellebore-leaved masterwort'.
Contents
- Astrantia maxima zeeuws knoopje
- Etymology
- Description
- Reproduction
- Distribution
- Habitat
- Cultivation
- Hyrids
- References
Growing to 90 cm (35 in) tall by 60 cm (24 in) broad, it is an herbaceous perennial, used in gardens. It is hardy to USDA Zone: 4-9. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It was found by Botanist Peter Simon Pallas, in 1790.
Etymology
The specific epithet maxima, meaning "largest", distinguishes this species from its smaller relatives Astrantia minor and Astrantia major.
Description
Astrantia maxima reaches on average 90 centimetres (35 in) of height. The stem is erect and glabrous, with little branches and few leaves. The basal leaves have a long petiole 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in), 3 to 7 lobes and toothed segments. Size: 8–15 centimetres (3.1–5.9 in). The cauline (borne on the stem as opposed to basal) leaves are generally two, sessile, amplexicaul and lanceolate-shaped with a trilobed apex. The inflorescence is umbrella-shaped, with 2–3 centimetres (0.79–1.18 in) of diameter. The floral bracts are numerous (10 - 20), 10–18 millimetres (0.39–0.71 in) long, pinkish (sometimes white) with acuminate apex. The small flowers are pinkish-white. The central ones are hermaphrodite, while the external ones are male. The flowering period extends from May to July.
Reproduction
Astrantia maxima is an entomophilous plant, mainly pollinated by beetles, but also by other insects. This perennial plant reproduces itself also by means of buds present at the ground level. The plant can also be grown from seed for garden usage. The seeds require a 2-3 month period of cold stratification for germination to take place.
Distribution
These plants native of Europe are widespread in the Caucasus. They have been introduced into the British Isles since 1804.
Habitat
In Turkey, they are common in woodlands and lush meadows, at an altitude of 1,300–2,400 metres (4,300–7,900 ft) above sea level.
Also common in Turkey is the subspecies Astrantia maxima Pallas subsp. haradjianii.
Cultivation
Astrantia maxima grows well in the garden, given some shade and moisture. Their flowerheads provide summer colour in shades of red, pink and white. It is also rabbit resistant. It is rated for hardiness, USDA zones 5 to 9.