Dracocephalum ruyschiana
Local name: Dracocéphale de Ruysch, Tête-de-dragon de Ruysch
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Karsten Rohweder, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Karsten Rohweder
Overview
Dracocephalum ruyschiana is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family, characterized by its distinctive blue-violet tubular flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes and deeply divided, narrow leaves. This arctic-alpine species plays an important ecological role as a nectar source for specialized pollinators including bumblebees and butterflies in harsh northern environments. The plant typically grows 10-40 cm tall and forms small colonies through underground rhizomes.
Dracocephalum ruyschiana is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation from agricultural expansion, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices. The species' fragmented populations are also vulnerable to genetic isolation and local extinctions due to its specialized habitat requirements and limited dispersal ability.
Habitat
Dracocephalum ruyschiana inhabits dry, rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and tundra environments at high elevations, typically growing in well-drained calcareous soils. The species is found in harsh arctic and subarctic conditions where it tolerates extreme temperature fluctuations and short growing seasons.
Other threatened species in Lamiaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dracocéphale de Ruysch, Tête-de-dragon de Ruysch classified as Endangered?
Where does Dracocéphale de Ruysch, Tête-de-dragon de Ruysch live?
What are the main threats to Dracocéphale de Ruysch, Tête-de-dragon de Ruysch?
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