The High-Altitude Chisel

Habit: A perennial herb growing in compact formations, creating dense cushions or small mats. Stems: Slender and up to 15 cm tall, almost leafless, with only 1-2 stem leaves. At the base there is typically a brown mass formed by the dead leaves of previous years, acting as a protective layer. Leaves: Alternate or spirally arranged, not leathery and lacking calcareous incrustations, unlike some related species. The blade is light green, variable in shape, entire or divided into three apical lobes, with a rounded tip. The surface shows clear longitudinal veins resembling small grooves. Flowers: Arranged in inflorescences bearing 1 to 5 hermaphrodite, radially symmetrical flowers. Calyx glandular. Corolla with five free petals, 3-5 mm long, rounded at the apex. Colour ranging from greenish white to creamy yellow, sometimes with purplish veins or orange tinges. Fruits: A subglobose capsule releasing numerous minute seeds at maturity. Flowering: May-August.

Chorological type: Italian endemic. Distribution: Restricted to the highest summits of the Central Apennines, including the Gran Sasso, Majella and Velino-Sirente massifs. Habitat: It colonises vertical cliffs, limestone screes and rocky debris between 1800 and 2600 m above sea level.

Generic name (Saxifraga): From the Latin saxum, “rock”, and frango, “to break”, referring to the ability of the plant to establish itself in rock fissures. Specific name (exarata): From the Latin exarare, “to plough” or “to furrow”, because of the longitudinal grooves present on the leaves.

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