Jaramago de Cavanilles
A species belonging to the mustard family (Cruciferae), it was described in 1977 from plants found in the Casa de Campo in Madrid by two renowned Spanish botanists, Santiago Castroviejo and Enrique Valdés, and published in the journal of the Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC.
Distribution
Endemic to central and southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula, with populations in the provinces of Madrid, Albacete, Toledo, and Granada.
Habitat
It grows in secondary habitats between 50 and 750 meters in altitude, on clay, marl, or gypsum-rich soils, often near streambeds. It is typically part of ruderal communities, fallow fields, or field edges. It flowers from March to June, and seeds germinate after spring and autumn rains. It grows quickly and completes its reproductive cycle in a short time.
Conservation
Thirteen populations have been confirmed. The species shows pronounced population fluctuations, either due to climatic factors or disturbances associated with agricultural tillage. The main threat is the abandonment of agricultural lands, as the species is closely tied to farming activity. Other threats include herbicide use, excessive trampling, and natural competition with other species. Proximity to wind farms or afforestation projects also poses risks to these populations.
Image description
The optical microscope image shows a cluster of yellow seeds in dorsal and lateral views. The seeds measure less than one millimetre and are typically found in groups of 3 to 6 per fruit. Their size is so small that they are difficult to see with the naked eye without close focus. At one end, a darker brown area can be seen, corresponding to the point of attachment to the fruit.
The scanning electron microscope image shows a seed with a clearly visible flattened shape and the insertion stalk. The seed coat has a rough, reticulate texture.