Aquilegia bernardii explained

Aquilegia bernardii, common name Bernard's columbine, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, endemic to Corsica.

Description

Bernard's columbine grows to tall, with pale blue flowers, relatively large leaf lobes, and short, spindly spurs.

Taxonomy

The species forms a monophyletic clade with the other columbine species endemic to Corsica and Sardinia, Aquilegia barbaricina, Aquilegia litardierei, Aquilegia nugorensis and Aquilegia nuragica.

Etymology

The specific name bernardii likely honours the French plant collector .

Distribution and habitat

Aquilegia bernardii is endemic to the mountains of Corsica from Cap Corse in the north to the Montagne de Cagna massif near Levie in the south. It grows in rocky areas at altitudes of, particularly in crevices that are in shade for part of the day. The flowering period is from July to August.

Conservation

The species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List.