Viburnum Opulus a Native Gem of Algerian Flora and Mediterranean Biodiversity
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Phylum: | Tracheophytes |
Class: | Angiosperms |
Class: | |
Order: | Dipsacales |
Family: | |
Genus: | Viburnum |
Species: | V. Opulus |
Introduction
Viburnum opulus, commonly known as the Guelder-rose or European cranberrybush, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its white blossoms and bright red berries. Though often associated with Europe, this remarkable plant is native to northern Algeria, where it thrives in the humid mountain zones. As part of the Algerian wild plants and native flora of North Africa, Viburnum opulus holds ecological and Ethnobotanical importance for biodiversity conservation and traditional use.
Synonyms
Viburnum opulus L.
Viburnum opulus var. americanum
Viburnum trilobum Marsh.
Viburnum opulus var. calvescens RegelHow to identify it:
Viburnum Opulus is a deciduous shrub from the Adoxaceae family, with fragile branches native to Europe, North Africa and Asia, and is common in cold regions.It grows 2 to 5 m tall, leaves are facing each other. It is often toothed or lobed. The flowers appear grouped that can be white, cream, or pink. Followed by red fruits that is not edible to humans.
- Height: 2–4 meters tall
- Leaves: 3-lobed, maple-like with serrated edges
- Flowers: White, arranged in flat-topped cymes or round sterile snowball clusters
- Fruits: Bright red, translucent berries (non-toxic but mildly bitter)
- Fall Color: Leaves turn shades of red and purple
|
Type
Of Plant |
Life
Cycle |
Height |
Flowering
Time |
Altitude |
|
Shrub |
Perennial |
2 to 5 m |
May-Juin |
0 - 1300 m |
|
Mediterranean |
Edible |
Color |
Abundance |
Toxicity |
|
Yes |
No |
White/Pink |
Rare |
Low toxic |
Other Common Name:
|
Arabic |
Berber/Targui |
English |
French |
Other
Name |
|
عوسج الجبل |
|
Guelder-Rose |
Viorne Obier |
Water Elder |
Where to Find It in Algeria: Exact Locations
Viburnum opulus grows naturally in humid forest zones and mountainous areas of northern Algeria, especially where Mediterranean climatic influences prevail.
Confirmed Locations:
Region Tizi Ouzou, Béjaïa
Chréa National Park
Blida Atlas and Médéa
El Kala National Park
Aïn Draham (bordering Tunisia, transitional floristic zone)Related species:
§
Viburnum Odoratissimum -Awabuki
§
Viburnum
Macrophyllum
§
Viburnum
rigidum
§ Viburnum rhytidophyllum
§
Viburnum Tinus -Laurustunis
§
Viburnum
Tomentosum
§
Viburnum
Prunifolium
§
Viburnum
suspensum
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