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Scabiosa
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Scabiosa
Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Mist'
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Subfamily: Dipsacoideae
Genus: Scabiosa
L., nom cons.
Species

See Species section.

Synonyms[1]
Synonymy
  • Acura Hill
  • Anisodens Dulac
  • Asterocephalus Zinn
  • Astrocephalus Raf., orth. var.
  • Chetastrum Neck., opus utique oppr.
  • Columbaria J.Presl & C.Presl
  • Cyrtostemma (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Spach
  • Euptilia Raf.
  • Gonokeros Raf.
  • Pentena Raf.
  • Scabiosella Tiegh.
  • Sclerostemma Schott
  • Sixalix Raf.
  • Spongostemma (Rchb.) Rchb.
  • Trichopteris Neck., opus utique oppr.
  • Trochocephalus (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Opiz

Scabiosa /skbiˈsə/[2] is a genus in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) of flowering plants.[3] Many of the species in this genus have common names that include the word scabious, but some plants commonly known as scabious are currently classified in related genera such as Knautia and Succisa; at least some of these were formerly placed in Scabiosa. Another common name for members of this genus is pincushion flowers.

Etymology

[edit]

The common name 'scabious' comes the Latin word scabiosus meaning 'mangy, rough or itchy' which refers to the herb's traditional usage as a folk medicine to treat scabies, an illness that causes a severe itching sensation.[4]

Description

[edit]

Some species of Scabiosa are annuals, others perennials. Some are herbaceous plants; others have woody rootstocks. The leaves of most species are somewhat hairy and partly divided into lobes, but a few are smooth and some species have simple leaves. The flowers are borne on inflorescences in the form of heads; each head contains many small florets, each floret cupped in a membranous, saucer-shaped bract. The calyx has five sepals in the form of awns almost as long as the petals. After the flowers have dropped, the calyces together with the bracts form a spiky ball that may be the reason for the "pincushion" common name. The calyx is persistent and remains as a crown on the fruit after it is shed. The corolla has four to five lobes fringing a narrow funnel with a furry throat, the funnel being somewhat longer than the lobes. The florets have four stamens each, set high in the tube, and sticking out. Each fruit has just one seed.

In a few species the heads are sessile but in most species they are borne singly on a tall peduncle.

Scabiosa species and varieties differ in the colours of their flowers, but most are soft lavender blue, lilac or creamy white.

Taxonomy

[edit]
Scabiosa atropurpurea subsp. maritima
Pincushion flower, Scabiosa triandra
Cream scabiousm, Scabiosa ochroleuca

It was first published in Species Plantarum on page 98 in 1753.[5]

Species

[edit]

As accepted by Plants of the World Online;[5]

Distribution

[edit]

Members of this genus are native to Africa, Europe and Asia. Some species of Scabiosa, notably small scabious (S. columbaria) and Mediterranean sweet scabious (S. atropurpurea) have been developed into cultivars for gardeners.

In 1782, a mysterious pale yellow scabious, called "Scabiosa trenta", was described by Belsazar Hacquet, an Austrian physician, botanist, and mountaineer, in his work Plantae alpinae Carniolicae. It became a great source of inspiration for later botanists and mountaineers discovering the Julian Alps, especially Julius Kugy. The Austrian botanist Anton Kerner von Marilaun later proved Belsazar Hacquet had not found a new species, but a specimen of the already known submediterranean Cephalaria leucantha.[6]

They are found in various habitats such as Scabiosa solymica (formerly named Lomelosia solymica), which is a chasmophyte (a plant adapted to growing in crevices or hollows) of montane, sea facing cliffs of the Tahtalı Dağı (mountain) in the western Taurus Mountains, south of Antalya, Turkey.[7]

Ecology

[edit]

Scabious flowers are nectar rich and attractive to many insects including butterflies and moths such as the six-spot burnet. Scabiosa species are food plants for the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera such as the grey pug moth.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Scabiosa is a genus of approximately 70 species of annual, biennial, and perennial herbaceous plants in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, native primarily to the Mediterranean region, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Commonly known as pincushion flowers or scabious, the name derives from the Latin scabies, referring to their historical use in treating skin ailments like scabies due to the plant's rough leaves. These plants typically feature erect or ascending stems, alternate leaves that are simple or pinnately divided, and distinctive capitulum inflorescences—compact heads of small, hermaphroditic flowers surrounded by an involucre of bracts, often with a central cluster of fertile florets and outer showy sterile ones resembling pins in a pincushion. Species of Scabiosa vary in height from about 10 cm to 1 m, with stems that are branched or simple and either glabrous or pubescent. The flowers, which bloom in summer, display a range of colors including , , , and , attracting pollinators such as and bees. Fruits are achenes, often topped with a calyx that persists and aids in by wind. Many species, such as S. atropurpurea and S. columbaria, are popular in ornamental gardening for their long-lasting blooms and are grown worldwide, though some have become naturalized or invasive in non-native regions like . In addition to their horticultural value, Scabiosa species have been utilized in across their native ranges for their purported and properties, stemming from bioactive compounds like and terpenoids. The genus's diversity and adaptability have made it a subject of botanical interest, with ongoing taxonomic revisions reflecting its placement in the expanded family.

Etymology and History

Etymology

The genus name Scabiosa derives from the Latin adjective scabiosus, meaning "mangy," "rough," or "itchy," alluding to the plant's textured leaves and its reputed efficacy in traditional remedies for skin conditions like scabies. This etymology is documented in botanical nomenclature references, where the name reflects both morphological traits and historical therapeutic associations. In historical folk medicine, Scabiosa species were employed in treatments for sores, wounds, and itchy disorders, often prepared as ointments or infusions to soothe and promote . The name's connection to "scabs" underscores the belief in the plant's ability to address rough or scaly ailments, a usage noted in medieval European s. Common names such as " flower" evolved from the distinctive appearance of the flower heads, where prominent, needle-like styles and stamens protrude from a compact, rounded dome, evoking pins stuck into a cushion. After flowering, the persistent, bristly calyx segments contribute to a spiky, dome-like seed head that reinforces this in dried arrangements. The genus was formally established under this name by in 1753, integrating these vernacular descriptors into binomial .

Historical Classification

The genus Scabiosa was formally established by Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum (1753), where he described 17 species based on morphological characteristics such as capitula with involucral bracts and calyces with feathery pappus-like appendages. This initial circumscription encompassed a diverse array of Eurasian and African herbs, reflecting the limited herbarium material available at the time, and laid the foundation for subsequent taxonomic studies of the group. Historically, Scabiosa was classified within the family Dipsacaceae, a placement rooted in 18th- and 19th-century morphology-based systems that emphasized shared and features with genera like . This assignment persisted through much of the until molecular phylogenetic analyses in the post-2000 era, including studies using nuclear ITS and markers, revealed closer affinities to s.l., leading to its transfer there under the APG III system (2009). These investigations demonstrated that Dipsacaceae formed a within , prompting a broader realignment of the order . Reclassifications of Scabiosa species into segregate genera began in the late 18th and 19th centuries due to distinctions in calyx structure, seed dispersal mechanisms, and morphological differences, with notable transfers including S. arvensis to K. arvensis in Knautia in 1823 and the re-establishment of Succisa (e.g., S. succisa becoming S. pratensis) in 1794 based on perennial habit and involucral differences. Further refinements occurred in the 20th century with emerging genetic data. A prominent example of misidentification resolution occurred with Scabiosa trenta, described by Belsazar Hacquet in 1782 from the Julian Alps; later investigations in the late 19th century by Anton Kerner von Marilaun confirmed it as Cephalaria leucantha, a species with similar pale yellow capitula but distinct fruit morphology, highlighting early challenges in alpine taxonomy. Key contributions to Scabiosa taxonomy in the 19th century came from botanists like Pierre Edmond Boissier, whose multi-volume Flora Orientalis (1867–1888) documented over 20 species across Eurasia and North Africa, refining distributions and describing new taxa such as S. argentea through extensive field collections and herbarium revisions. These works integrated observations from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern floras, providing a critical bridge between Linnaean foundations and modern systematics.

Morphology

Vegetative Features

Scabiosa primarily exhibit herbaceous habits as annuals, biennials, or perennials, with rare subshrubby forms occurring in Mediterranean regions; they are unarmed and typically reach heights of 10 cm to 1.2 m. Stems are erect to ascending, branched, bearing glabrous, hairy, or glandular pubescence; young stems in some species feature a tetragonal cross-section. Leaves occur in basal rosettes and as cauline foliage, arranged oppositely or alternately, petiolate, and ranging from simple and entire to pinnately lobed or dissected, with pinnate venation and often rough or tomentose surfaces that inspired the genus name from the Latin scabies (). Heterophylly is common, with basal leaves typically larger and more variable than narrower stem leaves; for instance, S. columbaria has basal leaves that are oval to lanceolate and unlobed or pinnately lobed, while S. atropurpurea features more deeply pinnatifid or lyrate basal leaves and pinnatifid cauline ones. Root systems in perennial species often consist of taproots or thick, ramified structures, enabling to dry soils and drought-prone habitats.

Floral and Reproductive Structures

The inflorescences of Scabiosa are compact capitula, or flower heads, typically 2–5 cm across, borne terminally on long peduncles and subtended by a prominent involucre of foliaceous bracts in one or two rows. These hemispherical or cylindrical heads contain numerous small, sessile flowers, with the outer marginal florets often enlarged into showy ray-like forms and the inner disc florets being fertile and smaller. Flower colors vary but are predominantly lavender, , , or white, attracting pollinators through their vibrant displays. Individual flowers in the capitulum are bisexual and actinomorphic to slightly zygomorphic, featuring a tubular corolla divided into 4–5 unequal lobes, which are longer in the marginal florets. The calyx is cylindrical to campanulate with five bristly or setose teeth that persist and spread in , forming a distinctive spiny, birdcage-like involucre (epicalyx) around the developing achenes; this structure, often 8-ribbed and crowned by a membranous corona, aids in protection and dispersal. Each flower is enclosed by an 8-bracted involucel that enlarges slightly in , contributing to the overall ornamental appearance of the maturing head. Reproduction in Scabiosa is primarily through , with many species being self-compatible yet predominantly due to protandry and dependence, though selfing can occur in isolated populations, as observed in S. canescens. The fruits are small, indehiscent achenes, 4–5-angled or ribbed, each enclosed within the persistent epicalyx and topped by the accrescent calyx awns, which function as pappus-like structures facilitating anemochory (wind dispersal). are minute, with a straight and sparse , enabling efficient wind transport while enclosed in the calyx for protection. Variations exist among life forms: annual species such as S. atropurpurea typically produce denser capitula compared to perennials like S. columbaria, which have sparser heads, reflecting adaptations to short versus extended lifecycles.

Taxonomy

Classification and Phylogeny

Scabiosa is classified within the family Juss., specifically in the subfamily Dipsacoideae, which encompasses the former segregate family Dipsacaceae based on molecular evidence from nuclear ribosomal (ITS) and chloroplast trnL-F regions that demonstrate close evolutionary ties to other Caprifoliaceae lineages. This placement reflects the APG IV system's recognition of Dipsacaceae as embedded within Caprifoliaceae sensu lato, supported by shared synapomorphies such as epicalyx structures and mechanisms. The genus comprises 67 accepted according to the database. Phylogenetically, Scabiosa occupies a position within the tribe Scabiosae of Dipsacoideae, forming a monophyletic clade that is sister to the genus Sixalix Raf., with robust support from combined analyses of ITS, trnL-F, and additional markers like atpB-rbcL. Its close relatives include genera such as Knautia L. (tribe Knautieae), Succisa Vahl (tribe Succiseae), and Pterocephalus Adans. (tribe Pterocephalideae), all within Dipsacoideae, where monophyly is reinforced by morphological traits including involucral bracts and calyx pappus development. This clade is not basal to the entire Caprifoliaceae but represents a derived lineage within the family's diversification during the Miocene, characterized by parallel evolutions in seed dispersal syndromes. Subgeneric divisions in Scabiosa remain informal, often delineated by growth habit—such as annual species like Scabiosa atropurpurea L. versus predominantly perennial forms—and geographic distribution, with major clades centered in the Mediterranean Basin and disjunct African lineages reflecting post-Miocene radiations. Key molecular studies from the and , including those by Caputo et al. (2004) and Carlson et al. (2009), have confirmed the genus's and resolved internal relationships using multi-locus data, while highlighting ongoing taxonomic debates surrounding hybrid origins, particularly in complexes like L. and S. ochroleuca Pall., where homoploid hybridization complicates species boundaries.

Species Diversity

The genus Scabiosa comprises 67 accepted , predominantly perennials with a smaller number of annuals. Species diversity within Scabiosa exhibits high , particularly in the Mediterranean Basin, where numerous taxa are restricted to specific habitats such as coastal dunes; for instance, S. maritima is endemic to Mediterranean coastal regions and adapted to sandy, saline environments. In , diversity includes several endemics, with nine species native to , such as S. africana in the Cape region, and subspecies of S. columbaria extending into southern African montane areas. Infrageneric variation is marked by a division into an annual of approximately 10 , often found in lowland or disturbed habitats, and a larger encompassing about 57 , which dominate montane and environments across and . Recent taxonomic revisions have led to splits, such as S. adzharica recognized as distinct in the Caucasus region, previously lumped with related taxa. Notable species illustrate this diversity:
  • S. atropurpurea: An annual ornamental with vibrant purple flowers, native to and widely cultivated for .
  • S. columbaria: A widespread perennial across and parts of and , valued for its lavender-blue involucrate heads and traditional medicinal uses.
  • S. ochroleuca: A with pale yellow flowers, distributed from to , often in grassy steppes.
  • S. africana: A South African endemic , shrubby with pinkish flowers, restricted to and renosterveld habitats.
  • S. caucasica: A from the with large lavender-blue flowers, popular in for its long-blooming habit.
  • S. maritima: An annual or short-lived endemic to Mediterranean coasts, featuring white to lilac flowers in dune ecosystems.
  • S. incisa: A South African endemic with dissected leaves and pale flowers, adapted to rocky slopes.
  • S. amoena: A from the with rose-purple flowers, noted for its ornamental potential.
  • S. hyrcanica: A of the and , with compact habit and blue flowers in edges.
  • S. adzharica: A from the , recently delimited as distinct, with finely divided leaves and pale involucres.

Biogeography

Native Distribution

The genus Scabiosa is primarily native to the temperate and Mediterranean regions of , , and , encompassing approximately 67 accepted species. In , around 40 species occur, concentrated in the Mediterranean Basin, while hosts about 20 species ranging from the through to . supports roughly 15 species, distributed across , , and disjunct populations in . Regional centers of diversity include in , where 35 taxa are recorded, and the , featuring numerous endemics and widespread species such as S. columbaria and S. atropurpurea. In , southern regions exhibit notable , exemplified by S. africana, a shrubby restricted to the and grassland habitats of . These hotspots reflect the genus's adaptation to varied but often rocky or grassy terrains within its core ranges. Biogeographically, Scabiosa exhibits Holarctic affinities between and , with phylogenetic evidence indicating an origin in during the middle to (approximately 6.7–15.9 million years ago), followed by dispersals eastward to and southward to . The disjunct African distributions, particularly in , are attributed to Pleistocene-era migrations facilitated by climatic shifts, with diversification primarily during the Pleistocene. The genus shows a strong preference for Mediterranean climates characterized by mild, wet winters and dry summers, influencing its concentration in regions with seasonal aridity.

Introduced Ranges and Habitats

Species of the Scabiosa have been introduced to various regions outside their native Eurasian and African ranges, primarily through ornamental cultivation and accidental escape from . In , S. atropurpurea has naturalized in parts of the , including and , where it often persists in disturbed areas following its use as a . Similarly, S. columbaria occasionally escapes cultivation and has been documented in northeastern states such as , New York, and . In and , S. atropurpurea is naturalized, having been recorded as early as 1869 in New Zealand, and it has established populations in grasslands and open habitats. In introduced ranges, Scabiosa species typically occupy dry meadows, rocky slopes, coastal dunes, and grasslands, favoring well-drained soils that are often or loamy with neutral to alkaline . These thrive in full sun and can occur from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2,500 meters, adapting to a variety of open, disturbed sites such as prairies and roadsides. In North American prairies and Australian grasslands, they prefer conditions mimicking their native Mediterranean environments, including sandy or rocky substrates that prevent waterlogging. Ecological adaptations contribute to their persistence in these non-native habitats, including drought tolerance facilitated by deep root systems that access moisture in arid conditions. In Mediterranean-influenced introduced areas, such as parts of and , S. atropurpurea exhibits resilience to , with prescribed burns sometimes leading to increased density due to enhanced seed germination or reduced , though responses vary by management intensity. Overall, Scabiosa species are considered minor weeds in introduced regions like U.S. prairies and Australian grasslands, where S. columbaria and S. atropurpurea can displace native in disturbed sites but lack aggressive invasive traits, often remaining localized without forming extensive monocultures. In and , they are monitored as potential invaders but have not caused widespread ecological disruption.

Ecology

Pollination and Reproduction

Scabiosa species are primarily entomophilous, relying on insect pollinators for reproduction, with nectar-rich tubular florets in their capitula serving as a key attractant for long-tongued visitors such as bees (e.g., Apis mellifera and Bombus spp.), butterflies, and moths. The outer florets in the flower heads often provide visual cues, enhancing attraction through contrasting colors and shapes that guide pollinators to the central nectar sources. The breeding system in Scabiosa is predominantly , facilitated by protandry where anthers mature and release before stigmas become receptive, reducing and promoting cross-fertilization. Although self-compatible and capable of , Scabiosa species exhibit a mixed with outcrossing rates typically ranging from 20% to 80% in natural populations, varying by factors such as and size, due to pollinator-mediated and spatial isolation in small populations. Seed production varies by life history, with annual species like Scabiosa atropurpurea capable of producing numerous seeds per plant under favorable conditions, contributing to rapid population establishment. Dispersal occurs mainly via , aided by the lightweight achenes enclosed in a persistent, spiny epicalyx that forms a feathery or burr-like unit, or by in denser habitats where seeds fall near the parent plant. Flowering phenology in Scabiosa spans spring to autumn across the , aligned with seasonal availability in Mediterranean and temperate regions, though it varies by species and . For instance, typically blooms in summer, with earlier flowering in mown grasslands compared to grazed sites, reflecting adaptations to disturbance regimes.

Biotic Interactions

Scabiosa species experience herbivory primarily from insect larvae, including those of various that feed on leaves and flowers. For instance, the genus serves as a larval host for species such as Nemophora metallica (brassy long-horn ) and Nemophora cupriacella (coppery long-horn ), which consume foliage during development. Some Scabiosa species produce iridoids, secondary metabolites known to deter generalist herbivores by acting as feeding repellents or toxins, thereby reducing damage from non-adapted insects. These plants form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which enhance nutrient uptake, particularly and , in nutrient-poor soils typical of their habitats. Such symbioses extend the system's reach, improving plant vigor and resilience in low-fertility environments. Additionally, Scabiosa contributes to food webs by providing as a resource for a range of beyond pollinators, supporting secondary consumers like predatory . Pathogens and pests significantly influence Scabiosa populations. The fungal rust Puccinia scabiosae infects leaves and stems, causing and reduced vigor, which can alter by limiting growth and seed production in affected stands. , such as those in the genus Aphis, colonize stems and foliage, extracting sap and potentially vectoring viruses, leading to stunted plants and decreased reproductive output that impacts community-level abundance. In ecological communities, Scabiosa acts as a in disturbed , colonizing open or mown areas and facilitating by offering resources that attract diverse , thereby supporting higher trophic levels. This role enhances overall stability and in successional habitats.

Human Interactions

Cultivation

Scabiosa species and hybrids are widely cultivated as ornamental garden plants for their attractive, pincushion-like flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Popular cultivars include hybrids derived from S. atropurpurea, such as those in the 'Scabiosa Mix' series offering vibrant pinks, purples, and whites for annual displays, and from S. columbaria, like 'Butterfly Blue' with its lavender-blue blooms on compact plants reaching 30 cm tall. Other notable selections are 'Pink Mist', a perennial hybrid producing soft pink flowers on 45 cm stems, and the 'Flutter' series, including 'Pure White' for its clean, long-lasting white blooms. Propagation is straightforward: annuals are typically started from seed sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in spring, while perennials can be divided in early spring every 3-4 years to rejuvenate clumps. Optimal growing conditions mimic the native Mediterranean origins, favoring full sun exposure for at least 6 hours daily and well-drained, loamy enriched with to prevent waterlogging. A of 6.0-7.0 is ideal, as Scabiosa tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline conditions but struggles in acidic or heavy clay soils. Space 30-45 cm apart to promote airflow and reduce disease risk; annuals like S. atropurpurea hybrids are sown after the last frost in spring, germinating in 10-14 days at 18-21°C, while perennials such as S. columbaria cultivars are hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and can be planted in fall or spring for establishment. Ongoing care is low-maintenance, with moderate watering—about 2.5 cm per week during establishment, then allowing the top 5 cm of soil to dry between sessions to avoid . Deadheading faded flowers promptly stimulates reblooming and extends the flowering period into autumn. Pests like slugs and occasionally affect young , but these can be controlled organically with barriers for slugs or sprays for , avoiding chemical pesticides to preserve appeal. Gardeners select annual varieties, especially S. atropurpurea hybrids, for cut flower arrangements due to their sturdy 60-90 cm stems and bold colors that last up to 10 days in vases. Perennial cultivars from S. columbaria excel in mixed borders or cottage gardens, providing reliable returns year after year with heights of 30-60 cm and continuous blooms. Breeding advancements since the have focused on resistance, with series like 'Flutter'™ developed for improved tolerance to crown rot and powdery mildew, enhancing reliability in humid climates.

Uses and Conservation

Scabiosa species have been employed in primarily for treating skin conditions, with the genus name deriving from their historical use against and other irritations due to the plant's properties. For instance, infusions or teas from have been used externally to soothe wounds, cuts, burns, and bruises, while the entire plant serves as a blood purifier when taken internally. Modern research since 2018 has identified bioactive compounds in Scabiosa, such as glycosides and triterpenoid , which exhibit effects, supporting potential therapeutic applications for inflammatory conditions. Extracts from various Scabiosa species demonstrate hepatoprotective and activities, validating traditional uses through and studies. Beyond medicine, Scabiosa serves various practical roles, including as in , where like Scabiosa atropurpurea provide textured, pincushion-like blooms for bouquets and arrangements, valued for their longevity and versatility. Flowers from certain varieties, such as black scabiosa, yield natural dyes producing , , or hues, now used in eco-printing and bundle . Additionally, young offer minor for , particularly in pastures where they are grazed without concerns. Conservation efforts for Scabiosa focus on endemic species in the Mediterranean, where habitat loss from urbanization, agriculture, and poses significant threats to hotspots. For example, Scabiosa adzharica is classified as Endangered on the due to restricted distribution and ongoing degradation, while other endemics like those in face similar vulnerabilities from land conversion. through seed banks, such as those managed by institutions like , supports preservation of genetic diversity for rare Scabiosa species, including trials on related Lomelosia taxa for and . Economically, Scabiosa contributes to the global ornamental , with cut flower production forming part of a multibillion-dollar industry; in the early , wholesale values for bunches reached $15–18 per unit in major markets like the U.S., supporting small-scale growers and florists through high-demand varieties.

References

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