Aquilegia karelinii, the Afghan columbine,[2] is a perennial species of plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Central Asia.[1]

Description

The species grows to 80cm tall,[3] differing from the widespread A. vulgaris by its pubescent stems, more membranous leaves, and narrower, deeper ultimate lobes.[4] Its flowers are bright lilac or claret-purple,[4] and its flowering period is late spring to early summer.[2] It is pollinated by bees.[3]

Taxonomy

The specific name karelinii honours the Russian explorer and naturalist Grigory Karelin (1801–1872).[4]

Distribution and habitat

Despite its common name "Afghan", Aquilegia karelinii is not native to Afghanistan, but to Kyrgyzstan,[5] Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Xinjiang.[1] It grows in damp ravines, wooded mountain slopes, forest meadows, and alpine zones at altitudes of 900–3600m.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Aquilegia karelinii". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Afghan Columbine (Aquilegia karelinii)". National Gardening Association. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Aquilegia karelinii - (Baker.)O.&B.Fedtsch". Plants for a Future. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Baker, J. G. (1878). "A synopsis of the known forms of Aquilegia". The Gardeners' Chronicle. 10: 76. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  5. ^ "Aquilegia karelinii (Baker) O.Fedtsch. & B.Fedtsch". GBIF. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved April 21, 2024.