Viburnum tinus
| Viburnum tinus | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Viburnum tinus by L. By Jacob van Huysum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Species: | V. tinus |
| Binomial name | |
| Viburnum tinus L. |
|
| Synonyms | |
Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus, Laurustinus Viburnum, or Laurestine) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Viburnum, belonging to the family Adoxaceae. Laurus signifies the leaves' similarities to bay laurel; tinus means "tenth born".
Contents |
[edit] Description
It is a shrub (rarely a small tree) reaching up to 2-7 m tall, with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are evergreen, persisting 2-3 years, ovate to elliptic, borne in opposite pairs, 4-10 cm long and 2-4 cm broad, with an entire margin. The flowers are small, white or light pink, produced from reddish-pink buds in dense cymes 5-10 cm diameter in the winter. The fragrant flowers are bisexual and pentamerous. The flowering period is from October to June. Pollination is by insects. The fruit is a dark blue-black drupe 5-7 mm long.
There are three subspecies:
- Viburnum tinus subsp. tinus. Mediterranean region.
- Viburnum tinus subsp. rigidum (syn. V. rigidum). Canary Islands.
- Viburnum tinus subsp. subcordatum. Azores.
[edit] Distribution
This plant is native to the Mediterranean area and Macaronesia, in Europe within (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece), in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya) and in the Middle East (Israel, Lebanon, Turkey). Is also present in the Azores and the Canary Islands.
[edit] Habitat
It grows mainly in the Mediterranean maquis and in oak forests. It prefers shady, moist areas, at an altitude of 0–800 metres (0–2,600 ft) above sea level.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
Viburnum tinus is a popular evergreen shrub widely cultivated for its winter flowering habit in regions with mild winters. Several cultivars have been introduced by the horticultural trade; mostly these are similar to the species, but with subtle variations in habit, leaf size or flower colour. As it tolerates pruning well it is often sold as topiary specimens, although even moderate clipping significantly reduces flowering ability.
[edit] Pests
In south-east Britain Viburnum tinus is the principal host of the viburnum beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni), the country's "number one pest species" according to the Royal Horticultural Society.[1]
[edit] Gallery
-
Plant of Viburnum tinus
-
Inflorescence of Viburnum tinus
-
Close-up on flowers of Viburnum tinus
-
Fruits of Viburnum tinus
-
Close-up on fruits of Viburnum tinus
-
Leaf of Viburnum tinus
.JPG)
.JPG)
[edit] References
- ^ "Top 10 pests". Wisley, England: Royal Horticultural Society. 19 January 2011. http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/News/Top-10-pests. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
- Flora Europaea: Viburnum tinus
- Eriksson, O., et al. 1979. Flora of Macaronesia: checklist of vascular plants
- Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia – Edagricole – 1982, Vol. II, pag. 639
[edit] External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Viburnum tinus |
 |
Wikispecies has information related to: Viburnum tinus |
