pheasant's-eye

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• pheasant's-eye
• red chamomile
• small-fruit pheasant's-eye
• Yellow Pheasant's-eye

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Adonis aestivalis subsp. microcarpa
• Adonis dentata var. microcarpa
• Adonis dentata subsp. microcarpa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Adonis microcarppa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ranunculaceae and the genus Adonis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Middle Europe, its presence can be specifically noted within Germany. Moving towards the Mediterranean, it is found throughout various parts of Southwestern Europe. This includes populations located in France, Portugal, and the Baleares islands. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the island of Sardegna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Adonis microcarpa is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire developmental cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. As a therophyte, the species survives the unfavorable periods of its environment through the production of seeds rather than through persistent vegetative structures like rhizomes or woody stems. This life form strategy allows the plant to rapidly exploit seasonal resources, completing its reproductive phase before environmental conditions become too harsh, thereby ensuring the next generation through a seed bank.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

Morphologically, Adonis microcarpa is characterized as a non-woody herb that exhibits a self-supporting growth form rather than acting as a climber. The plant maintains a relatively diminutive stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.5 m. In terms of its ecological positioning and habitat, it is classified as a terrestrial species, although its moisture requirements can span a spectrum of aquactic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. Furthermore, the species is an independent organism, functioning without parasitic tendencies, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than acting as an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Adonis microcarppa is characterized by specialized metabolic pathways and distinct morphological adaptations that support its survival in specific ecological niches. A key structural component of its vegetative physiology is the leaf architecture, specifically featuring an elliptic leaf form, which optimizes surface area for light interception and photosynthetic efficiency. This leaf shape facilitates effective gas exchange and transpiration rates necessary for maintaining turgor pressure and metabolic stability. Furthermore, the plant undergoes complex biochemical processes involving the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which are integral to its physiological defense mechanisms. The integration of its elliptic leaf morphology with its internal cellular functions allows for the regulated management of energy production and nutrient distribution throughout its tissues.

Leaf form :

elliptic

Reproduction

The reproduction of Adonis microcarpa is characterized by a specific flowering period that typically begins in February and concludes in June, though the timing can be variable. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces distinct red flowers. Following pollination, the plant develops fruit in the form of an achene. These fruits are relatively small, measuring between a minimum length of 0.25 cm and a maximum length of 0.35 cm. The resulting fruit is characterized by a black coloration and is indehiscent, meaning it does not naturally open at maturity to release its seeds.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flower colour :

red

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruit colour :

black

Fruit length max:

0.35 cm

Fruit length min:

0.25 cm

Fruit type :

achene

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Adonis microcarpa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cardiac Glycosides.

Cardiac Glycosides

1. Australian veterinary journal