Phyteuma spicatum

Phyteuma spicatum, the spiked rampion,[1] is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Campanulaceae. It is common across much of Europe. Its common names include raiponce en épi (French), ährige Teufelskralle (German), ährige Rapunzel (Swiss German), and Raponzolo giallo (Italian).[2]

Phyteuma spicatum
Phyteuma spicatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Campanulaceae
Genus:	Phyteuma
Species:	P. spicatum
Binomial name
Phyteuma spicatum L.

Found in diverse types of forest, especially broadleaf beech forests, but also coniferous forests, as well as prairies, along forest roads, in logging clearings.[2]

Cooking young spiked rampion flowers

The leaves, roots, and flowers are edible, and can be eaten raw.[3][4] Flowers before blooming can for instance be prepared by steaming or boiling briefly, then seasoned (see photo).

References

1. "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-01-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
2. "Phyteuma spicatum L." www.infoflora.ch. Retrieved 2018-06-10.
3. "Ährige Teufelskralle - Bestimmung, Essbare-Teile & Verwendung". pflanzen-vielfalt.NET (in German). Retrieved 2018-06-10.
4. "Raiponce en épi Phyteuma spicatum". Cuisine Sauvage ASBL (in French). Retrieved 2018-06-10.

• Michell, K; Eppinger, M; Parker, K. (2007). Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Britain and Europe. New Holland Publishers. pp. 174–175.
• Wheeler, B.R.; Hutchings, M.J. (1999). "The history and distribution of Phyteuma spicatum L. (Campanulaceae) in Britain" (PDF). Watsonia. 22. pp. 387–395.
• Wheeler, B.R.; Hutchings, M.J. (2002). "Biological Flora of the British Isles : Phyteuma spicatum L.". J. Ecol. 90. pp. 581–591.
• Plantlife (2010). "Phyteuma spicatum species dossier" (PDF).. Dossier from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan for the species.

External links