Crocodilium pumilio

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Aegialophila pumilio
• Centaurea pumilio
• Centaurea mucronata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Crocodilium, specifically as the species Crocodilium pumilio.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in the Mediterranean. In Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Greece and Italy. Additionally, its presence extends to the island of Kriti within the same European region. Moving toward Northern Africa, the species is also established in the territory of Egypt. Finally, its range reaches further west into Libya, completing its spread across these coastal areas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Crocodilium pumilio is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. Its growth habit is defined as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, typically protected by leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This classification as a hemicryptophyte remains consistent across its developmental stages, ensuring its survival and establishment within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Crocodilium pumilio is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative development. Although it possesses an adaptable ecological presence, it is categorized within terrestrial habitats, distinguishing it from purely aquatic species. The plant functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies toward other flora. In terms of its structural habit, it is a self-supporting species, maintaining its upright or spreading posture without the need for external climbing structures or obligatory support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Crocodilium pumilio has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lupeol.

Lupeol

1. Natural product research