Erodium Paularense

erodium paularense

Erodium paularense, commonly known as the heron's bill of El Paular, is an extremely rare and critically endangered perennial plant endemic to a few highly specific locations in central Spain. Belonging to the Geraniaceae family, this resilient little plant is famous for its striking pinkish-white flowers decorated with intricate, dark purple veining on the upper petals. First discovered in the Alto Valle del Lozoya near the El Paular monastery, it is a biological treasure specialized in surviving the harsh, dry conditions of gypsum and limestone outcrops. Despite its delicate appearance, this plant has adapted to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and poor soil quality, securing its niche where few other plants can compete.

Habitat: Found growing exclusively on sunny, rocky limestone and gypsum-rich cliffs and outcrops in the semi-arid Mediterranean environments of central Spain.

Appearance

This low-growing, cushion-forming perennial subshrub typically reaches a height of 5 to 15 centimeters. It features a woody base with greyish-green, deeply lobed leaves covered in soft, velvety hairs that help retain moisture. Its most identifying feature is the umbel-like cluster of flowers, which have five asymmetric petals. The two upper petals are smaller, bearing a prominent dark purple or black spot near the base with dark branching veins, while the three lower petals are slightly larger, unspotted, and pale pink to white.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGeranialesFamilyGeraniaceaeGenusErodium

Erodium Paularense

Interesting facts

It is a true gypsophile, meaning it has evolved to thrive in soils with high concentrations of calcium and gypsum that would kill most other plant species.

It is named 'paularense' after the Santa María de El Paular monastery in Madrid, near where the species was first discovered and described.

The plant's seeds act like miniature drills; when they touch damp soil, changes in humidity cause the tail-like awn to twist and push the seed deep into the earth.

Special abilities

The plant is specially adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor, calcium-sulfate-rich gypsum soils that are toxic to most other plant species.

Its seeds feature a long, spirally twisted awn that coils and uncoils with changes in humidity, physically drilling the seed into the ground to ensure successful germination.

Its leaves are covered in dense, fine hairs that trap moisture, reduce wind desiccation, and reflect intense solar radiation.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-15 cm
Lifespan: 5-15 years
Clutch Size: 5+
Incubation: 14-30 days

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by minerals absorbed from gypsum and limestone soils.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Provides nectar and pollen to bees, which assist in cross-pollinating the flowers.

eaten by

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Rabbits feed on the foliage and stems, posing a grazing threat to localized populations.

competitor

Gypsum Baby's Breath

Gypsophila struthium

Co-occurs in the specialized gypsophilous scrublands, competing for limited soil nutrients.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

Erodium glandulosum

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Erodium Paularense?

The easiest way to identify Erodium Paularense is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Erodium Paularense?

5-15 cm

How long does Erodium Paularense live?

5-15 years

What does Erodium Paularense eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by minerals absorbed from gypsum and limestone soils.

Where is Erodium Paularense usually found?

Found growing exclusively on sunny, rocky limestone and gypsum-rich cliffs and outcrops in the semi-arid Mediterranean environments of central Spain.

How many eggs does Erodium Paularense lay?

How long do Erodium Paularense eggs take to hatch?

14-30 days