Escobilla de Despeñaperros
A plant of the Compositae family, this species was described by Pío Font Quer in 1926 in a short publication that included magnificent engraved plates of all the species featured.
Distribution
Endemic to the central Iberian Peninsula, it is restricted to the eastern end of Sierra Morena and Sierra Madrona, in the provinces of Ciudad Real and Jaén. Currently, 20 populations are known, divided into two major geographical groups, each consisting of 10 populations and separated by approximately 30 kilometres. One group is located at the eastern edge of the Sierra Morena, and the other in the Sierra Madrona.
Habitat
This species inhabits siliceous scrubland and clearings in sclerophyllous forest. It also thrives in secondary habitats such as roadsides, road embankments, and the margins or wide clearings of reforested pine forests, particularly on quartzite soils. It is typically found at elevations between 600 and 1300 metres above sea level.
Conservation
The 20 known populations face several threats. Pine reforestation poses a major risk, as canopy closure reduces the available light and displaces the species. Timber extraction activities can also physically destroy plants. Additional threats include overgrazing in areas with livestock, the application of biocides on nearby agricultural land, and infrastructure expansion (e.g., roads and highways), which may impact open areas where the plant currently thrives. Due to its conservation interest, seeds are stored in several Spanish germplasm banks.
Images descriptions
The optical microscope image shows an achene measuring two to three millimetres in length. It has an ovoid shape, with a truncated apex. The body is dark brown and bears scattered hairs on its surface. A double crown of individual hairs of varying lengths forms the pappus, a structure that aids in wind dispersal.
The scanning electron microscope image shows a close-up of the achene surface, revealing an ornamentation of small, scale-like cells arranged in an overlapping (imbricated) pattern. Erect hairs emerge sporadically from the surface.
Visual touch photograph
The optical microscope image shows the upper part of an achene, two to three millimetres in length, with an ovoid in shape. The body is dark brown and bears scattered surface hairs. At the top, a double crown of individual hairs of varying lengths forms the pappus, a structure that facilitates wind dispersal.