Syn.: Phyteuma comosum L., Rapunculus comosus (L.) Mill., Synotoma comosum (L.) Rich.
Family: Campanulaceae Juss.

Physoplexis comosa

Distribution: An endemic species of the Southeastern Alps.

Ecology: It grows in limestone rock crevices on vertical walls, from mountains to subalpine zones, up to 2000 m above sea level. It flowers from July to August.

Physoplexis comosa

Description: A perennial, hairless herb with an erect stem 5–15 cm high. The leaves are petiolate, ovate to lanceolate, strongly toothed, dark green, arranged in a basal rosette. The inflorescence is a clustered umbel of dark purple-tipped, lilac-pink flowers 2 cm in length. The fruit is a capsule.

Threat and protection: This species is strictly protected by law in Italy and Austria and by the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Berne Convention).

Note: Physoplexis comosa is interesting alpine plant for rock gardens, but problematic in the cultivation. The plant must be protected from full sun and permanent moisture, the soil should be limy, rich in humus and well drained.

Physoplexis comosaPhysoplexis comosa
Physoplexis comosa
Physoplexis comosaPhysoplexis comosa

These images were taken in Italy, the Dolomites, Tofana di Rozes (by Ladislav Hoskovec, June 19 and September 6, 2005), and in Slovenia, the Julian Alps (by Josef Ptáček: June 2007).