Rock Soapwort
Saponaria ocymoides
The genus name Saponaria is derived from the Latin 'sapo', as the plant's roots and leaves produce a natural soapy lather when crushed in water.
- Scientific name
- Saponaria ocymoides
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Caryophyllales › Caryophyllaceae › Saponaria
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Rocky slopes, limestone cliffs, mountain meadows, and gravelly embankments.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines, Southern Europe, Central Europe
- Size
- 10-25 cm tall, forming mats up to 60 cm in diameter.
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Generally secure, though local populations can be affected by intensive land development and habitat fragmentation.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and safe to touch. The plant contains saponins which can cause mild digestive distress if eaten; do not ingest. If sap causes rare skin irritation, wash the area with water.
Saponaria ocymoides ( rock soapwort or tumbling Ted ) is a species of semi-evergreen perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, native to south western and southern central Europe.
Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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