1/8/2024 0 Comments Cornflowerblue abacus beads![]() ![]() ![]() Several cultivars of Centaurea cyanus with varying pastel colours, including pink and purple, have been selected for ornamental purposes. However, selfing still occurs occasionally, but results in inbreeding depression. In general, Centaurea cyanus is a self-incompatible species. The genetic diversity within populations is high, although there could be a future decline in diversity due to population fragmentation and intensive agriculture. Genetics and breeding Genetics Ĭentaurea cyanus is a diploid flower (2n = 24). In the County Clare ( VC H9) in Ireland, Centaurea cyanus is recorded in arable fields as very rare and almost extinct, while in the North-East of Ireland, it was abundant before the 1930s. In reaction to this, the conservation charity Plantlife named it as one of 101 species it would actively work to bring 'back from the brink'. ![]() In the United Kingdom, it has declined from 264 sites to just 3 sites in the last 50 years. It has been present in Britain and Ireland as an archaeophyte (ancient introduction) since the Iron Age. Distribution Ĭentaurea cyanus is native to temperate Europe, but is widely naturalized outside its native range. 3.5 mm long with 2–3 mm long pappus bristles. The blue pigment is protocyanin, which in roses is red. The flowers are most commonly an intense blue colour and arranged in flowerheads (capitula) of 1.5–3 cm diameter, with a ring of a few large, spreading ray florets surrounding a central cluster of disc florets. The leaves are lanceolate and 1–4 cm long. Description Flowering shoot of cornflower.Ĭentaurea cyanus is an annual plant growing to 40–90 cm tall, with grey-green branched stems. However, Centaurea cyanus is now also naturalised in many other parts of the world, including North America and parts of Australia through introduction as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a seed contaminant in crop seeds. It is now endangered in its native habitat by agricultural intensification, particularly by over-use of herbicides. In the past, it often grew as a weed in cornfields (in the broad sense of "corn", referring to grains, such as wheat, barley, rye, or oats), hence its name. Centaurea cyanus (introduced species) near Peshastin, Chelan County, WashingtonĬentaurea cyanus, commonly known as cornflower or bachelor's button, is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Europe. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |