Theligonum cynocrambe L.

Spice Flower detail In the field 1 In the field 2

Family: THELIGONACEAE

Genus: Theligonum

Catalan common name: Herba molla. Herba saginera.

Spanish common name: Quebradizo.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Castelló. Girona.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera. Cabrera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitats: Rock crevices and cliff faces. Therophytic calicole fields. Rocky surfaces and dry stone walls. Therophytics communities, stony soils.

Characteristics: This small grass lives between the rocks in the dry areas found on the island. The leaves are flat and more or less ovate and slightly scaly; they are an identifying characteristic, as the superior leaves are grouped in a singular plane and form a helix in which the successive leaf is smaller than the previous. The stem nodes are slightly stocky.Both male and female individuals are present; the flowers are scantly visible, and remain hidden under the leaves. Lives in dry areas, flowers during the winter and spring, almost until summer. This is the only species of the genus Theligonum that can be found in the Balearic Islands.