- Source: Aquilegia atrata
Aquilegia atrata, the dark columbine, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to the Alps and Apennine Mountains.
Description
As the common name suggests the species typically, but not always, has dark flowers, either brown, purple or wine-colored. At around 60 cm (24 in) in height, it is smaller than the similar but more widespread species Aquilegia vulgaris, with stamens protruding farther from the flower.
Taxonomy
The specific name atrata is Latin for "blackened" or "darkened", referring to the dark-coloured flowers. It is a currently accepted species in the Aquilegia vulgaris complex, but is not genetically distinguishable from the other members of the complex.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to mountainous areas of Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Slovakia, France, Italy, and Slovenia, and has been introduced to the Czech Republic and Russia (western Siberia). It grows in alpine and subalpine habitats in rocky limestone areas and beech, silver fir, and Scots pine forests.
Ecology
Aquilegia atrata flowers from June to July. The larvae of the columbine sawfly Pristiphora rufipes have been recorded feeding on the plant.
Conservation
Aquilegia atrata has not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List. It is fully protected in the Swiss cantons of Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Obwalden, and partially protected in Bern and St. Gallen.
References
External links
Media related to Aquilegia atrata at Wikimedia Commons