Kingdom Plantae Family Onagraceae Rank Species | Order Myrtales Genus Chamaenerion | |
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Similar Astrantia minor, Senecio alpinus, Doronicum clusii, Gentiana orbicularis, Saxifraga crustata | ||
Chamaenerion fleischeri, formerly Epilobium fleischeri, commonly known as Alpine willowherb, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Onagraceae family.
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Description
The biological form of Chamaenerion fleischeri is hemicryptophyte scapose, as its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves. This plant reaches on average 10–40 centimetres (3.9–15.7 in) in height. The stem is erect and the leaves are usually glabrous and toothed. This plant is quite similar to Chamaenerion dodonaei, but the last one can reach even a meter in height and has bristly leaves.
Chamaenerion fleischeri has fragrant flowers with four pointed thin dark purple sepals and four bright pink ovate petals. Flowering occurs from late June to August.
Distribution
This plant is endemic to the Alps, in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
Habitat
It grows in clusters on moraines, in glaciers, among piles of stones and in alluvial deposits. It prefers siliceous soils, at an altitude of 600–2,700 metres (2,000–8,900 ft) above sea level.