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Alpine Sea Holly
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Alpine Sea Holly

Eryngium alpinum

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
Related

Basic Details

NameAlpine Sea Holly
DescriptionStriking thistle-like perennial with steel-blue to purple flower heads surrounded by spiny, metallic bracts. Known as 'Queen of the Alps' for its regal appearance. Excellent for rock gardens, borders, and dried flower arrangements.
FamilyApiaceae (Carrot Family)
GenusEryngium
TribeSaniculeae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ☿ K5 C5 A5 G̅(2)

Ebracteate (no bracts), Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), bisexual, 5 free sepals, 5 free petals, 5 free stamens, 2 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features
  • The genus name 'Eryngium' derives from Greek, possibly meaning 'to belch' due to its traditional use for digestive ailments. Called 'Queen of the Alps' for its majestic appearance
  • Distinctive cone-shaped flower heads (umbels) with tiny blue-purple flowers surrounded by large, spiny, silvery-blue bracts that resemble a collar
  • Herbaceous perennial that blooms in summer (June-August). Flowers retain color when dried, making them popular for arrangements
  • Grows to 1-2.5 feet (30-80 cm) in height. Lifespan of 3-5 years. Propagated by seed or root division in spring
  • Native to European Alps, found in mountainous regions of Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia at elevations of 1,500-2,500 meters
  • Thrives in full sun requiring 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Drought-tolerant, prefers well-drained, rocky or sandy soil. Cold-hardy to -20°C
  • Attracts bees and butterflies. Deer-resistant due to spiny foliage. Protected species in some Alpine regions due to over-collection

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificEryngium alpinum
English (Alternate)Eryngium Alpinum, Alpine Eryngo, and Queen of the Alps
HindiNo Direct equivalent - पहाड़ी समुद्र कंटला (pahadi samudra kantala)
TamilNo Direct equivalent but plants similar to Sea Holly are known as தில்லை, சக்கரமுள்ளி, சுள்ளி( Thillai, Chakkaramulli, or Chulli)
TeluguNo Direct equivalent - అలస్యకంప (alasyakampa)
MalayalamNo Direct equivalent - ചുള്ളി (chulli)
KannadaNo Direct equivalent - ಹೊಳೆಚುಳ್ಳಿ (holechulli)
SanskritNo Direct equivalent - हरीकुसा (harikusa )
BengaliNo Direct equivalent - হাড়গোজা (hargoza)
Frencha Reine des Alpes
RussianАльпийский морской падуб (Королева Альп) (Al'piyskiy morskoy padub) (Koroleva Al'p)
SpanishEringio de los Alpes
GermanAlpen-Mannstreu

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.