Centaurea iberica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its range extends into the territories of Germany. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically within France. Its distribution also covers significant portions of Southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria and Greece. Finally, the species is also documented as growing within the borders of Italy.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Centaurea iberica is characterized by a versatile distribution across diverse topographical landscapes, including dumps, hills, mountains, and parks. It exhibits a broad altitudinal tolerance, spanning an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum of 2400 m AMSL. Across its various habitats, the species maintains an average elevational range of approximately 650 m AMSL, allowing it to colonize both lowland disturbed sites and higher montane environments.

Elevational range max:

2400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

650 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

dump,hills,mountains,parks

Life history

The life history of Centaurea iberica is characterized by a biennial lifecycle, meaning the plant typically completes its development over a period of two years, often spending the first year establishing a vegetative base before transitioning to reproductive maturity. In terms of its structural growth habit, this species is classified as a therophyte, a life form defined by its reliance on ephemeral aerial structures that complete their cycle within a single growing season, leaving behind seeds to survive unfavorable conditions. This specific life form, consistent across its botanical categorization as both a therophyte in its primary classification and its secondary structural designation, ensures that the plant can effectively navigate its environmental constraints through rapid seasonal growth and seed dispersal.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

biennial

Morphology

The morphology of Centaurea iberica is characterized by a growth form typical of a non-woody herb and forb. This self-supporting plant reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 1 m, with an average height of approximately 0.6 m. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. As a non-climbing, self-supporting species, it maintains a stable structural form without the need for external support like lianas or vines.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height mean:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Centaurea ibericas is characterized by a distinct flowering period that begins in May and extends through August. During this reproductive cycle, the plant produces fruits that exhibit specific morphological dimensions, with a mean length of 0.35 cm and a range spanning from a minimum of 0.3 cm to a maximum of 0.4 cm. The width of these fruits is highly consistent, maintaining a mean and maximum measurement of 0.2 cm, with a minimum width also recorded at 0.2 cm. The resulting seeds are quite lightweight, featuring a mean mass of approximately 0.0039783335 g. Individual seed masses vary, with the smallest recorded mass being 0.0016 g and the largest reaching up to 0.00509 g.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length max:

0.4 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.35 cm

Fruit length min:

0.3 cm

Fruit width max:

0.2 cm

Seed mass max:

0.00509 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0039783335 g

Seed mass min:

0.0016 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Centaurea iberica has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine

Conditions

Centaurea iberica has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include insulin secretion.

Insulin secretion

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Preparations

Centaurea iberica has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Dried ethanol extracts, lipophilic fractions.

Dried ethanol extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Lipophilic fractions

1. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine