Adoxa Moschatellina: A hidden wild plant in Algeria

 

Taxonomy:       

Kingdom Plantae Phylum: Tracheophytes Class: Angiosperms Class: Eudicots Order: Dipsacales Family: Adoxaceae Genus: Adoxa Species: A.Moschatellina

             

While Adoxa moschatellina is not common in Algeria, it can be found in specific humid forested areas. Its unique flower structure makes it a fascinating subject for botanists and nature enthusiasts. If you're searching for it, focus on cool, shaded, and damp environments in northern Algeria.

Introduction

Adoxa moschatellina, commonly known as Moschatel or Townhall Clock, is a small perennial herb notable for its unique cube-shaped flower clusters. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family and is found in temperate regions, including parts of North Africa. In Algeria, it is a rare and intriguing species, often growing in moist, shaded woodlands.

Synonyms

Moschatellina vulgaris

Adoxa inodora

Moscatella adoxa

 

How to identify this rare plant in Algeria

Adoxa Moschatellina is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Adoxaceae family that is not seen often. It grows throughout Europe, Asia and North America, and in high altitudes in the mountains in the southern Mediterranean region and is uncommon in Algeria. The plant and its flowers have a musk-like scent, emanating from it in the evening.

Leaves: Bright green, divided into three lobes.

Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow, forming a cube-like cluster (5 flowers: 4 side-facing, 1 top-facing).

Height: 5–15 cm.

Fragrance: Mild musky scent (hence "moschatellina").

Habitat: Prefers damp, shaded woodlands near streams.

 

Type Of Plant	Life Cycle	Height	Flowering Time	Altitude
Herbaceous	Perennial	10  to 15 cm	April-May	0 -1500 m

 

Mediterranean	Edible	Color	Abundance	Toxicity
Yes	Not considered edible	Green	Uncommon	Safe

 

Other Common Name:

Arabic	Berber/Targui	English	French	Other Name
El-maskia		Moschatel	Adoxe Musquée	Townhall clock Bisamkraut

Where to find this Algeria wild plant: Exact Locations

1. Atlas Mountains (humid, high-altitude forests)
2. Djurdjura Range (shaded, damp valleys)
3. Tlemcen Forests (moist, rocky slopes)

 

Note: This plant is rare in Algeria and mostly found in isolated, cool, and humid micro climates.

 

Related species:

     §  Adoxa xizangensis

§  Sinadoxa corydalifolia

§  Adoxa inodora

§  Adoxa tuberosa Gray

§  Adoxa moschata Dulac