Ca: margalideta de la mar, camamil·la de la mar
Es:
Nom científic: Senecio varicosus L. f.
Sinònims:
- Senecio leucanthemifolius subsp. rodriguezii (Willk. ex Rodr.Fem.) O.Bolòs & Vigo in Collect. Bot. (Barcelona) 17: 91 (1988).
- Senecio rodriguezii Willk. ex Rodrig. in Anales Soc. Esp. Hist. Nat. 3: 36 (1874).
- Family: Asteraceae
- Distribution: Endemic to Mallorca and Menorca.
- Conservation status: LC (Least Concern)
- Phenology: From winter to spring
- Life form: Therophyte (annual plant)
- Habitat: Rocky coastal areas and crevices of limestone cliffs near the sea. This species is well adapted to salinity, wind, and high solar exposure, although it can also be found in more sheltered areas.
La “margalideta de la mar” (Senecio varicosus) is an endemic species of the Balearic Islands, specifically Mallorca and Menorca. This plant, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, has specialized adaptations to its coastal rocky habitat, exposed to the sea. Its ability to withstand salinity, wind, and intense solar radiation makes it a very resilient species, although it is also vulnerable to environmental changes and human activity, such as the presence of exotic fungi like Puccinia distincta, which has caused significant damage to its populations.
The leaves of the sea daisy are fleshy, allowing it to store water during the dry periods typical of the Mediterranean climate. Additionally, the undersides of the leaves have a reddish tint, which may help protect the plant from intense solar radiation and better tolerate the salinity of the environment. These characteristics make it a highly specialized species, though they also make it susceptible to threats.
Despite its vulnerability, the plant is conserved in botanical collections and germplasm banks like the Planta Viva collection, which allows for the preservation and study of various populations. Furthermore, the plant’s scientific name has undergone changes, with the final designation being Senecio varicosus.
