jonquil

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• apodanthus daffodil
• jonquil

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Jonquilla juncifolia
• Hermione jonquilla
• Queltia juncifolia
• Queltia jonquilla

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Amaryllidaceae and the genus Narcissus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution can be observed within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also found growing in Germany. Its presence extends significantly into Southwestern Europe, where it inhabits the landscapes of France. Furthermore, the plant is commonly distributed across the Southwestern European territories of Portugal and Spain.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Narcissus jonquilla is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a cryptophyte, it employs specialized survival strategies to protect its vital organs from seasonal environmental stressors. Specifically, its life form is classified as a geophyte, meaning it relies on underground storage organs—typically bulbs—to endure unfavorable periods such as drought or extreme temperatures. This biological framework enables the plant to remain dormant during harsh conditions and emerge vigorously when favorable growing cycles return.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Narcissus jonquilla is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it possess climbing habits, being entirely self-supporting in its structure. The plant maintains a relatively modest stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Narcissus jonquilla is characterized by its metabolic efficiency and specialized nutritional strategies suited for its natural habitats. As a plant utilizing the C3 photosynthetic pathway, it fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle, relying on the enzyme Rubisco to incorporate CO2 into organic molecules, which is typical for many temperate bulbous perennials. This pathway allows the plant to optimize energy production under moderate light and temperature conditions. Furthermore, the species is classified as non-carnivorous, meaning it obtains its essential nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, through the absorption of minerals from the soil via its root system rather than through the digestion of prey.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Narcissus jonquilla is driven by a combination of biotic pollination strategies and specialized seed dispersal mechanisms. The flowering period is characterized by seasonal timing, typically beginning in March and concluding in April, though the window can be variable. Pollination is achieved through a biotic syndrome, specifically relying on insects, with butterflies playing a notable role in the process. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces a capsule as its fruit type. This capsule is dehiscent, meaning it opens at maturity to release the seeds. Regarding its life cycle, asexual reproduction is noted as absent, indicating a primary reliance on sexual reproduction for the propagation of the species.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit type :

capsule

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

butterfly

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Narcissus jonquilla has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include galanthamine, 1,2-Dihydrogalanthamine, lycorine.

galanthamine

1. Journal of chromatography. A
2. Analytica chimica acta

1,2-Dihydrogalanthamine

1. Journal of chromatography. A

lycorine

1. Analytica chimica acta

Activities

Narcissus jonquilla has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AChE-Inhibitor.

AChE-Inhibitor

1. Journal of chromatography. A