Ranunculus bullatus

Classification and Etymology

Ranunculus bullatus is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, commonly known as the buttercup or crowfoot family.

The name "bullatus" comes from the Latin word "bullicus", meaning "with bulges" or "wrinkled", which refers to the plant's leaves and stems.

Morphology

Ranunculus bullatus is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that reaches heights of 6-27 cm. The stems are hairy and multi-year, with leaves that are close to the ground and have a distinctive egg-shaped, toothed appearance. The leaves are typically 3-4 (-7) x 2-5 cm in size and have hairs on the underside.

Flowers

The flowers of Ranunculus bullatus are solitary or paired, with a diameter of 18-30 (40) mm. They have five to twelve yellow petals and a truncated cup shape. The anthers are smooth and bare, measuring 1-2 mm in length, while the style is slightly curved and measures 0.2-0.3 mm.

Reproduction

The flowering period of Ranunculus bullatus typically runs from September to February, with fruiting occurring from December onwards.

Distribution and Habitat

Ranunculus bullatus is native to North Africa (Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia), West Asia (Cyprus, Turkey), and South Europe (Greece, Italy, Malta, France - Corsica, Portugal, Gibraltar, Spain). It thrives in dry, rocky areas with limestone soil, often growing among olive trees or in stone places.

Gallery

* Image of Ranunculus bullatus flowers
* Image of Ranunculus bullatus leaves
* Image of Ranunculus bullatus habitat