| Aquilegia colchica | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Aquilegia |
| Species: | A. colchica |
| Binomial name | |
| Aquilegia colchica | |
Aquilegia colchica is a perennial flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, endemic to the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia. [1] The plant blooms in spring with blue and white flowers. It is considered an endangered species in Georgia.
Aquilegia colchica is a perennial herb growing to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall, [2] with sticky stems covered by characteristic silvery, downy hairs. [3] The basal leaves are biternate and covered with dense, light grey downy hairs, with leaflets of a rounded wedge shape. The flowers are solitary and two-coloured, blue and white, with sepals of a rounded lanceolate shape. [2] The petals are egg-shaped and blue or light blue, with a blue, strongly twisted, and downy nectar spur. [3]
The species was formally described by the Georgian botanist Liubov Kemularia-Nathadze in 1934 [1] from specimens collected in the gorge of the river Qvirila. [3] It can produce fertile hybrid offspring with another endemic Aquilegia species of the western Caucasus, Aquilegia gegica . [3]
The specific epithet colchica is taken from the classical placename Colchis, in the area to which the species is native. [4] The genus name Aquilegia may come from the Latin word for "eagle", aquila , in reference to the pedals' resemblance to eagle talons. [5]
Aquilegia colchica is endemic to Georgia, growing in rocky areas in the western Caucasus mountains. [2] Known populations include those in the gorges of the river Qvirila and its tributary, the Jruchula River. [3]
As of December 2024 [update] , the species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List. [6] It is nationally classed as an endangered species in Georgia. [3]
Aquilegia colchica flowers in spring. [2]