Jarilla de cabeza de gato
A plant belonging to the rockrose family (Cistaceae), it was described by the French botanist Edmond Boissier from the northern face of the Peñón de Ifach, in the province of Alicante. Boissier published it in 1838 in a work highlighting little-known plants of the European flora, which he discovered during his travels in Spain.
Distribution
It is found in coastal areas of the western Mediterranean, from Sardinia to Mallorca and the coast of Alicante, with populations also present in North Africa—specifically in Melilla, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Habitat
It grows from sea level up to 200 meters in altitude, on more or less stony or sandy limestone soils, in cliffs, slopes, and dune systems. It prefers sunny areas close to the coast, in thermo-Mediterranean, semi-arid, or dry climates. It blooms from January to June and produces fruit from April to July. The seeds are dispersed physically, at short distances from the parent plant.
Conservation
The population in southern Alicante consists of 7 population nuclei where the number of individuals has decreased and 5 nuclei where the number of individuals has increased. Additionally, 5 new nuclei have been discovered. The populations in the Balearic Islands and Melilla appear to remain stable. The main threat to the species is coastal urbanization and associated activities. Invasive species and human trampling also pose threats. Seeds are preserved in numerous germplasm banks, and some live plants are kept in botanical gardens. Spanish germplasm banks hold numerous seed samples.
Image description
The optical microscope image shows a lateral view of a light brown seed with a brain-like (cerebriform) surface pattern alternating between brown and yellowish tones. The seeds measure between 1 and 2 millimetres in diameter, are slightly papillose, and have a hard outer covering called a testa, which allows them to withstand harsh conditions. At the base, a dark brown area known as the hilum can be seen, where the seed connects to the ovary wall.
The scanning electron microscope image shows a top view of the seed, highlighting its ovoid shape and brain-like, slightly papillose ornamentation.
Visual touch photograph
The optical microscope image shows a lateral view of a light brown seed, 1 to 2 millimetres in size, with brain-like ornamentation and brown and yellowish tones. They are slightly papillose and have a hard outer covering called a testa, which enables them to endure adverse conditions. At the base, the hilum can be seen—a dark brown area where the seed connects to the ovary wall.