ERYSIMUM RAULINII

Family and Genus:- See- CRUCIFERAE

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- None

Meaning:- Erysimum (Gr) A name used by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus

(perinnial wallflowers).

Raulinii (L) Possibly for Victor Felix Raulin, botanist (1815-1905).

General description:- Biennial.

Stems:-

1) Erect; simple or branched up to 30 cm in flower, up to 60 cm in fruit; hairs divided

at the tip in 2(-4) (usually equal) parts by a median cleft (2(-4)-fid).

Leaves:-

1) Basal, in a rossette, 20-80 x 1-10 mm, oblanceolate-linear.

2) Lower, sinuate or denticulate, the rest entire, green.

Flower:-

1) Raceme, of fragrant yellow flowers, elongating considerably during fruit

development.

2) Sepals, 6-8 mm.

3) Petals, 11-17 x 3-5·5 mm, pubescent on the back.

4) Style 2-4 mm.

5) Pedicel, 1-2·5 mm in flower, up to 6 mm in fruit.

Fruit:-

1) Siliqua, 20-50 x 1-1·3 mm, erect (0-10°). appressed to the stem.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:- Rock ledges and screes in gorges, rocky slopes with open dry shrubby

vegetation occasionally on road embankments, over limestone. 400-1700 m. Fl.

Early Apr to late May.

Distribution:- Endemic to the western half of Crete, from the western flanks of the

Lefka Ori to Kedros.

Flowering time:- Early Apr to late May.

Photos by:- Fotis Samaritakis