Status:
valid
Authors:
Hoffmanns. & Link
Source:
gcc
Year:
1834
Citation Micro:
Fl. Portug. 2: 220 (1820-1834)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000082117
Common Names
- Small-flowered Knapweed
- Small-headed Centaury
- Micranthous Centaury
Synonyms
- Centaurea micrantha micrantha [unknown]
- Acosta hoffmannseggii (Hayek) Holub [unknown]
- Centaurea castellana micrantha (Hoffmanns. & Link) Nyman [unknown]
- Centaurea hoffmannseggii Hayek [unknown]
Description
Centaurea micrantha (also called small-flowered knapweed, among many other common names) is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant with a woody base and a deep taproot. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in dry grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas. It has grey-green leaves and small, pink-purple flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Centaurea micrantha is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases and fever.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The Centaurea micrantha flower is a white or pinkish-white flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, black, three-lobed achene. The seedlings are small, with a basal rosette of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Centaurea micrantha is a short-lived perennial that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Where to Find Centaurea micrantha
Centaurea micrantha can be found in the Mediterranean region, from Portugal to Turkey, and in North Africa.
Centaurea micrantha FAQ
What are the common names of Centaurea micrantha?
Common names of Centaurea micrantha include small-flowered knapweed, small-flowered star-thistle, and small-flowered centaurea.
What is the optimal soil type for Centaurea micrantha?
Centaurea micrantha prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0.
What is the optimal temperature for Centaurea micrantha?
Centaurea micrantha prefers temperatures between 10-25°C (50-77°F).
Species in the Centaurea genus
Centaurea pseudomaculosa,
Centaurea spicata,
Centaurea loscosii,
Centaurea triniifolia,
Centaurea gadorensis,
Centaurea messenicolasiana,
Centaurea werneri,
Centaurea grisebachii,
Centaurea noguerensis,
Centaurea papposa,
Centaurea vermiculigera,
Centaurea saxicola,
Centaurea linifolia,
Centaurea antitauri,
Centaurea lactiflora,
Centaurea vavilovii,
Centaurea aplolepa,
Centaurea sphaerocephala,
Centaurea integrans,
Centaurea ognjanoffii,
Centaurea stevenii,
Centaurea centauroides,
Centaurea pinnata,
Centaurea aeolica,
Centaurea cankiriensis,
Centaurea ebenoides,
Centaurea ceratophylla,
Centaurea simonkaiana,
Centaurea rothmaleriana,
Centaurea chalcidicaea,
Centaurea pinnatifida,
Centaurea nervosa,
Centaurea foveolata,
Centaurea elbrusensis,
Centaurea triumfettii,
Centaurea hermanni,
Centaurea djebel-amouri,
Centaurea chrysantha,
Centaurea monticola,
Centaurea melitensis,
Centaurea affinis,
Centaurea kizildaghensis,
Centaurea filiformis,
Centaurea scillae,
Centaurea vatevii,
Centaurea sterilis,
Centaurea handelii,
Centaurea androssovii,
Centaurea litardierei,
Centaurea oxylepis,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,