Alyssum serpyllifolium

Description

Alyssum serpyllifolium is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The scientific authority of the species is Desf., having been published in Flora Atlantica 2: 70. 1798. Their common names are arçanhas, comélos or tomelos. It is a species present in Portuguese territory, namely the following infraspecific taxa: Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum present in mainland Portugal. In terms of naturalness, it is native to the aforementioned region. It is protected by Portuguese or European Community legislation, namely by Annex V of the Habitats Directive. Alyssum serpyllifolium is a species of cabbage plant. This was first described by René Louiche Desfontaines. Alyssum serpyllifolium belongs to the genus Alyssum in the family Brassicaceae. The IUCN has classified the species as lacking in data. To date no tick has been listed under it by him. Alyssum is a genus of about 100-170 species of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae, native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean region. The genus comprises annual and perennial herbaceous plants or (rarely) small shrubs, growing to 10-100 cm tall, with oblong-oval leaves. Alyssum flowers are characteristically small and grouped in terminal clusters; they are often yellow or white colored but can be pink or purple. The genera Lobularia and Aurinia are closely related to Alyssum and were formerly included in it. The widely cultivated species popularly known as "sweet alyssum" (Alyssum maritimum) is Lobularia maritima. The common rockery plant (Alyssum saxatile) is Aurinia saxatilis. Alyssum foliage is used as food by the caterpillars of certain Lepidoptera, including the Gem (Orthonama obstipata). However, rabbits will not eat it.