Trollius

Trollius
Trollius europaeus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Trollius
L.
Species

About 30, including:
Trollius acaulis
Trollius altaicus
Trollius asiaticus
Trollius chinensis
Trollius dschungaricus
Trollius europaeus
Trollius farreri
Trollius japonicus
Trollius laxus
Trollius ledebourii
Trollius lilacinus
Trollius paluster
Trollius papaverus
Trollius pumilus
Trollius ranunculinus
Trollius yunnanensis

Trollius is a genus of about 30 species of plants in the family Ranunculaceae, closely related to Ranunculus. The common name of some species is globeflower[1] or globe flower. Native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity of species in Asia, trollius usually grow in heavy, wet clay soils.

They are mostly herbaceous perennials, produce numerous fibrous roots, with bright yellow flowers, though some have orange to lilac coloured flowers. The name "globe flower" refers to the petals of T. europaeus and T. × cultorum which are curved over the top of the flower, forming a globe. But T. pumilus has flatter flowers, and T. chinensis has open flowers with prominent stamens.[2]

All trollius species are poisonous to cattle and other livestock when fresh, but their acrid taste means they are usually left uneaten. They are, however, used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Silver-ground Carpet.

Some species are popular ornamental flowers in horticulture, with several cultivars selected for large and brightly coloured flowers. The hybrid T. × cultorum[3] in particular is a source of several garden cultivars, including 'Superbus', which has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4]

Image gallery

References

  1. ↑ "Trollius". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
  2. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  3. ↑ "Missouri Botanical Garden". Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  4. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Trollius × cultorum 'Superbus'". Retrieved 7 June 2013.
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