Aquilegia barbaricina (Barbaricina Colombine)


Botanical Information

FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusAquilegia
Speciesbarbaricina
CategoryPerennials
OriginSardinia.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA critically endangered herb said to be "neoendemic" (it is a species that has evolved recently due to geographic isolation). It bears a single vertical stem covered in fine hairs, branching into flower stalks which produces 5-8 white drooping flowers.
PestsWith downy mildew plants will be deformed in spring from any systemic infection, in summer new infections will arise as yellow patches on the leaves, followed by brownish-red marks on the stems and deformed leaves. There is no chemical available. Picking off the diseased leaves may be effective however some plants may need to be destroyed (burning is best).
HabitatIn alder scrub along water courses at an altitude of 1,300-1,400 m.
Flower Description25-30 cm in diameter with 5 petals, each petal bearing a slightly curved vertical spur.

Photographs