Eryngium  (Eryngium ternatum)

Classified as Rare on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plant Species 1997 (1).

The family Umbelliferae, to which this species belongs, is so named for its characteristic umbels, umbrella-shaped flower clusters in which all the flower stalks radiate from the same point, appearing as if a single flower head (3). The flowers of this thistle-like Eryngium species are densely clustered into tight dome-shaped umbels and surrounded by a collar of spiky bracts (4). The small heads, or umbels, of this plant are a green to metallic blue colour (5).

Endemic to the Greek Island of Crete (1).

Prefers dry, sandy, well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight exposure, but can tolerate most soil types, including lime and gravel (6) (7).

This Eryngium is a deciduous perennial (2) that blossoms from July to August (5). The flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs and are pollinated by a wide variety of insects, including bees, flies and beetles (6). This plant is self-fertile, meaning that it can produce seeds through fertilisation with its own pollen, without other plants being needed (6).

The threats facing this species are unknown.

There are currently no conservation measures targeting this species.

Tutin, T.G., Heywood, V.H., Burges, N.A. & Valentine, D.H. (1968) Flora Europaea: Rosaceae to Umbelliferae v. 2. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.