Common names and origin
Andryala integrifolia, popularly known as dog's leg, wall chicory, woolly sowbug o arnica flower In different Spanish-speaking regions, it is a plant that also receives the names of alface-do-monte o waitress In Portuguese, it is very common in the Mediterranean region, extending throughout southwestern Europe, Macaronesia, and much of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is notable for its abundance in many areas, although it is less common in the Cantabrian-Pyrenees mountain range and the Balearic Islands.
Taxonomic classification
- Domain: eukarya
- Supergroup: Archaeplastida
- Division: Chloroplastida
- Division: Streptophyta
- Subdivision: Spermatophytina
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Asterals
- Family: Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)
- Gender: andryala
- Species: Andryala integrifolia L.
the name integrifolia It comes from the Latin integrifolius, referring to the generally entire leaves of the species.
Detailed botanical description
Andryala integrifolia It is a herbaceous plant that can be annual, biennial or perennial, depending on environmental conditions. It has a napiform root and stems that vary between 40 and 110 centimeters tall, usually solitary, simple or highly branched in the upper third. Their surface is covered by a dense indumentum of star-shaped, short, eglandular hairs, sometimes mixed with glandular hairs on the upper half. This velvety pubescence gives it a whitish appearance, easily recognizable in the wild.
The leaves They range from 20 to 80 mm in length and 3 to 30 mm in width, and are alternate, linear, oblanceolate, lanceolate, or ovate. They usually have an obtuse to acute apex and the margins may be entire or densely pinnatisectThe lower ones, generally petiolate, are grouped in a basal rosette, while the upper ones, wider and sometimes amplexicaul, are densely covered with short, eglandular, star-shaped hairs mixed with long glandular ones, an attribute that maintains the whitish appearance throughout the plant.
Secretes latex, a distinguishing characteristic from other Asteraceae.
The inflorescences They are organized in capitula, often grouped in dense corymbs, although in autumn flowering specimens they can be solitary. The involucre measures between 7 and 12 mm long by 5 to 10 mm wide, formed by several rows of elliptical or lanceolate bracts, always covered with hairs and with the presence of yellowish multicellular glandular hairs, longer and more evident than those of the stem.
All flowers The capitulum flowers are ligulate, hermaphroditic, deep yellow, and topped by five teeth. The outer ligules are somewhat larger and sometimes have a purple or pink central line. The anthers are yellow, and the stylar branches may show orange stigmatic areas.
El fruit It is a set of subcylindrical or obconic achenes up to 1,5 mm, truncated at the end, with 8-10 prominent ribs and topped by a 4-5 mm pappus, deciduous, formed by greyish or greenish hairs.
Flowering systems and morphological variability
La flowering Andryala integrifolia generally extends from spring to early fall, being most common from March to September. This species shows extraordinary variability in appearance, leaf type, and inflorescences, although its indumentum, flower, and fruit characteristics remain constant. Late-flowering plants are usually weaker, with linear or linear-elliptical leaves and loose inflorescences, while spring-flowering plants are robust and densely corymbose. Historically, these differences have led to the identification of forms such as Andryala sinuata o Andryala corymbosa, which are now considered infraspecific synonyms or varieties within the same taxon.
Infraspecific diversity and synonymy
Its richness in synonyms and infraspecific varieties is notable, thanks to its morphological plasticity and wide distribution. Some of the most common include:
- Andryala integrifolia subsp. integrifolia
- Andryala integrifolia var. floccosa (endemic to Gran Canaria)
- Andryala integrifolia var. corymbosa
- Andryala sinuata L.
- Andryala corymbosa Lam.
- Among many other names collected in botanical literature.
Geographic distribution and habitat
La Andryala integrifolia It is original and characteristic of the mediterranean region, extending across southern and southwestern Europe, southern France, and Macaronesia. It also occupies almost the entire Iberian Peninsula, including lowland and mid-mountain areas of Galicia. It develops from sea ​​level up to 1300 meters above sea level, although in some territories it can be found up to 1200 m.
Their preferred habitat includes stony pastures, ditches, roadsides, abandoned crops and sandy clearingsIt prefers open, well-lit areas and dry, light soils poor in nutrients, especially nitrogen. It acts as a ruderal and road species, intensively colonizing disturbed areas or areas with low plant competition.
Ecological requirements and environmental tolerances
From a point of view ecologicalAndryala integrifolia is an indicator of dry, moderately acidic soils (pH 4,5–7,5) and warm areas. It is resistant to extreme heat and tolerates dryness well, although it is sensitive to high salinity. It prefers full light, although it can tolerate some semi-shade. Its presence denotes sunny, sandy, or stony environments with poor water retention and low fertility.
This plant demonstrates a considerable capacity to adapt to various disturbances, such as infrequent mowing, moderate grazing by large herbivores, and mechanical soil movements, as long as they are not excessive.
Functional characteristics and biological type
Andryala integrifolia combines strategies hemicryptophytes and therophytes: It can behave as a perennial plant with buds at ground level or as an annual, completing its life cycle in the favorable season and surviving the rest of the year in the form of seeds.
It usually reaches a average height of 38 centimeters and the seed, or achene, weighs around 0,1 mg. Its main mode of dispersion is the anemocory, that is, the seeds are dispersed by the wind thanks to the pappus, optimizing the colonization of open environments.
Growing and caring for Andryala integrifolia
Location
This species must always be placed outside, receiving the maximum amount of sun possible throughout the day. It's ideal for growing in pots or in xeric or wild gardens, and can form beautiful natural carpets alongside other native species.
Soil type
- Potted: Use a universal growing medium, well aerated and light, without complicated mixtures.
- In the garden: It prefers calcareous, stony, or sandy soils with good drainage. If the soil is clayey, it's a good idea to fill the planting hole (at least 30 x 30 cm) with universal substrate or mix in river sand to improve permeability.
Irrigation
La Andryala integrifolia is low water requirementIn summer, when the heat is intense, it may need frequent watering, between 4 and 5 times a week. The rest of the year, space watering to every 2-3 days or less, always checking the substrate moisture before watering to avoid waterlogging, the main risk factor for root health. It's preferable to wait until the substrate feels dry rather than overdo it with moisture, as the plant tolerates drought better than excess water.
- Insert a wooden stick into the soil and see if it comes out clean: if so, it's time to water.
- Weigh the pot after watering and a few days later to check the weight loss.
- Dig down 5 centimeters next to the plant: if the soil is dark and cool, do not water.
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In warm season it is recommended provide organic fertilizers Once a month, add worm castings or well-rotted manure. A handful mixed gently into the substrate around the plant will suffice, followed by light watering.
Multiplication
The main route of propagation is by seeds, which should be sown in spring:
- Use pots about 10,5 cm in diameter, fill them with universal substrate and water thoroughly.
- Place 2-3 seeds separated on the surface.
- Cover with a thin layer of substrate to protect them from direct sunlight.
- Water gently with a spray bottle and keep the pot outdoors in full sun.
Germination is rapid and usually occurs within a maximum of two weeks.
Hardiness and resistance
Andryala integrifolia withstands the cold well and can withstand moderate frosts down to -4°C. It is a very hardy and resilient plant when well established in its ideal habitat.
Ecological relationships and faunal value
The ecological value of Andryala integrifolia is remarkable, since attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enriching local biodiversity. It serves as a food resource for insects and small mammals, and its presence indicates soils with low salinity and low humidity.
Curiosities and additional aspects
- Secretes latex on their stems, a rare feature among Asteraceae.
- It is highly variable in size and shape, adapting perfectly to different environments.
- Its whitish appearance is produced by its dense coat of star-shaped hairs, which helps reduce water loss and protect it from excessive solar radiation.
- In Macaronesia and arid zones it occupies ecological niches of particular interest for the conservation of native flora.
Andryala integrifolia is a perfect plant for low-maintenance gardens, ecological restoration projects, and for those who wish to enjoy the beauty of native Mediterranean flora. Its hardiness, ease of cultivation, and value for wildlife make it an essential component of natural and ornamental landscapes.
