Phyteuma spicatum, the spiked rampion,[1] is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Campanulaceae. It is common across much of Europe. Its common names include raiponce en épi (French), Ährige Teufelskralle (German), Ährige Rapunzel (Swiss German), and Raponzolo giallo (Italian).[2]
Found in diverse types of forest, especially broadleaf beech forests, but also coniferous forests, as well as prairies, along forest roads, in logging clearings.[2]
Cooking young spiked rampion flowers
The leaves, roots, and flowers are edible, and can be eaten raw.[3][4] Flowers before blooming can for instance be prepared by steaming or boiling briefly, then seasoned (see photo).
Distribution
Global: GBIF. A collation of numerous data sources which include both historical data and occurrences outside natural range.
Britain and Ireland: BSBI Atlas Current known distribution map by hectad in the British Isles. Natural distribution is confined to East Sussex.
Germany: FloraWeb.
Norway: Norsk Rødliste 2006. Species listed as Vulnerable on Norwegian Red Data List, where it is confined to an area of Telemark county.
↑"Raiponce en épi Phyteuma spicatum". Cuisine Sauvage ASBL (in French). Retrieved 2018-06-10.
Michell, K; Eppinger, M; Parker, K. (2007). Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Britain and Europe. New Holland Publishers. pp.174–175. ISBN9781845374730.
Wheeler, B.R.; Hutchings, M.J. (1999). "The history and distribution of Phyteuma spicatum L. (Campanulaceae) in Britain"(PDF). Watsonia. Vol.22. pp.387–395.
Wheeler, B.R.; Hutchings, M.J. (2002). "Biological Flora of the British Isles: Phyteuma spicatum L.". J. Ecol. Vol.90. pp.581–591.
Plantlife (2010). "Phyteuma spicatum species dossier"(PDF). Archived from the original(PDF) on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2014-07-08.. Dossier from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan for the species.
