What is Biscutella auriculata?
biscutella auriculata, Commonly known as spectacle weed, blinkers, Saint Lucia's glasses, génaves, tamarilla or glasses herb, is an annual plant of the family Brassicaceae (cruciferous). The name "Biscutella" comes from the Latin: "bi" meaning "double" and "scutella" meaning "small cup," alluding to the unusual shape of its fruit, which resembles glasses or ears.
This species is widely distributed in the area western Mediterranean, including the entire Iberian Peninsula, North Africa and surrounding regions, being one of the most abundant wild plants in fields, fallow lands and roadsides in these areas.
Botanical characteristics of Biscutella auriculata
biscutella auriculata It is an annual herbaceous plant that generally reaches heights between 40 and 60 cmIt has one or more branched stems, with the base covered in hairs (hirts) that help protect it from the cold and wind, while towards the top, the stems become glabrous.
The basal leaves They are arranged in a dense rosette, measuring between 5 and 12 cm, and have shapes ranging from entire or slightly toothed to deeply lobed or pinnatifid. They have long petioles and are hairy to the touch. The cauline leaves are similar but decrease in size as they climb the stem.
La inflorescence It appears in dense clusters, even after fruiting. The flowers, a deep yellow color, have four petals (characteristic of the family), actinomorphic, and their arrangement resembles a cross, typical of cruciferous plants. Each flower has six stamens, with both internal and external filaments. Flowering occurs from late winter until well into summer, depending on the climate of the region.
El fruit It is a very thin, flattened silicle that forms the characteristic eyeglass-like silhouette, hence one of its vernacular names. These silicles have a marginal membrane and contain an ovate, brown seed in each of their "lenses."
Taxonomy and etymology
- Reino: plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Brassicales
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Gender: Biscutella
- Species: Biscutella auriculata
biscutella refers to the shape of the fruit (double cup) and auriculata resembling an ear.
Habitat and geographic distribution
biscutella auriculata It is a species widely adapted to different types of substrates, which is why it is found in soils gypsum, sandy, clayey and limestoneIt is commonly found in ruderal environments, such as roadsides, pastures, wastelands, banks, and crop margins.
Its distribution height covers from low areas up to heights above 1.500 m above sea level. It is native to the western Mediterranean region and North Africa, with a widespread presence in Spain, especially in the inland and southeastern regions, although it is also found in coastal areas and, to a lesser extent, in northern areas.
This plant has a great capacity to adapt to the soil disturbance and herbivore pressure, which facilitates its presence in ecosystems affected by human activity or grazing.
Ecological characteristics and behavior
biscutella auriculata It shows a high tolerance to different types of soil and environmental conditions, although it has well-defined preferences:
- Luz: It is a plant that requires direct sunlight and does not tolerate shade, which means it should be located in open spaces.
- Temperature: It prefers warm temperatures typical of hilly areas, although it can grow in wider ranges.
- Salinity: Does not tolerate excessively saline soils.
- Humidity: Indicator of dry soils, with preference for low humidity environments.
- Acidity: It grows best in soils rich in bases, with a pH between 5,5 and 8, which identifies it as an indicator of alkalinity.
- NitrogenAlthough it is a nitrophilous plant, it does not tolerate highly fertilized soils; it grows in moderately poor or slightly nutrient-rich soils.
The biological cycle of Biscutella auriculata is of the type therophyte, which means that it completes its entire development cycle during the favorable season and survives the unfavorable period in the form of a seed.
Traditional uses and medicinal properties
La spectacle weed It is known in folk medicine, especially in infusions and herbal teas, for its diuretic and anti-edematous properties, used to facilitate fluid elimination and combat dropsy (fluid retention and edema). For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to collect the entire plant just before harvesting. at the beginning of flowering or when it is newly flowering, since after fruiting it loses some of its therapeutic virtues.
Preparation of diuretic infusion:
- Bring a liter of water to a boil.
- Add the dried and chopped plant.
- Let it infuse for a few minutes and remove from the heat.
- It can be sweetened with honey to improve the flavor.
Precautions: Before using any medicinal plant, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals, as inadequate doses can lead to side effects.
How to grow and care for Biscutella auriculata
Although biscutella auriculata It does not stand out for its ornamental value, but it may be of interest to those who want to take advantage of its medicinal properties or add native and hardy plants to the garden.
light requirements
direct sun exposure It is essential. This plant should be located in spaces where it receives maximum sunlight, as it does not tolerate shade or indirect light.
Soil type
biscutella auriculata adapts to soils clayey, limestone or sandyThe essential thing is that the substrate has a low amount of organic matter and good drainage to avoid excess moisture, which can rot the roots.
In clay soils, light and sporadic watering may be required, while in lighter, sandy soils, watering can be reduced even further, as the plant tolerates drought better than waterlogging.
Fertilization
Although it tolerates poor soils, it responds well to a moderate nitrogen fertilizer when planting it, but avoid excessive fertilization, since it does not thrive in soils that are too rich in nutrients.
Adequate watering
Keep the earth slightly dry and well-drained. Excessive moisture can be fatal to the plant. Watering should be limited to periods of prolonged drought, especially in heavy soils.
Multiplication and sowing
It reproduces easily by seedIt is best to sow in late winter or early spring directly in the final location, as the plant is annual and develops its life cycle quickly.
Collection and conservation
For medicinal purposes, collection must be done in the shade, in a cool and ventilated place, at temperatures below 30°C. To preserve it, store the dried plant in airtight jars, protected from light and moisture.
Ecology, phytosociological behavior and dispersal
biscutella auriculata It is characteristic of traditional agricultural systems, forming part of the Roemerion hybridae alliance and is associated with other ruderal plants and weeds. It behaves as a pioneer species following soil disturbances, being common in grazed areas, cultivated fields, and areas affected by tillage.
The dispersal of its seeds occurs mainly thanks to the wind and the passage of animals, favored by the shape and lightness of the fruits.
Phenology and life cycle
La flowering It spans from the first months of temperate climate, after the end of winter, until the end of summer. This wide flowering window facilitates its adaptation to different environmental conditions and ensures its presence for a good part of the year in favorable habitats.
Threats, conservation and ecological values
Biscutella auriculata is not considered a threatened species due to its high ecological plasticity and ability to colonize disturbed environments. However, certain intensive agricultural practices, which increase the use of herbicides and fertilizers, can reduce its populations by eliminating its natural habitat and increasing competition from exotic or more aggressive species.
In traditional agricultural systems and Mediterranean grasslands, the plant is important as an ecological indicator of dry, extensively managed soils.
Curiosities and synonyms
The variety of popular names that the biscutella auriculata It has its origin in the peculiar morphology of its fruits, which resemble both glasses (“Saint Lucia glasses”) and small ears (“auriculata”).
There is a considerable list of taxonomic synonyms, a result of their wide distribution and the variability observed throughout their range. Some of these include Biscutella balearica, Biscutella cambessedesii, Clypeola auriculata y Jondraba sulphurea.
Innovation in care: smart technology for plants
Technological development has allowed the emergence of solutions for the smart plant monitoring, especially useful for those seeking optimal conditions for growing native species such as Biscutella auriculata. IoT sensors can track vital parameters such as soil moisture, light quantity, temperature and humidity, making it easier to adjust care to ensure the health and optimal development of the plant, even in urban gardens or in pots.
Biscutella auriculata, despite its simple appearance, is a plant of great ecological and medicinal value, extremely hardy, low-maintenance, and closely linked to the botanical and agricultural traditions of Mediterranean countries. Its adaptability, annual cycle, and important role as a traditional diuretic make it a species worthy of being known, respected, and, if desired, cultivated to take advantage of its many virtues.