Potentilla delphinensis

Potentilla delphinensis

Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Genus:	Potentilla
Species:	P. delphinensis
Binomial name
*Potentilla delphinensis* Gren. & Godron
Synonyms
Potentilla intermedia L. subsp. delphinensis (Gren. & Godr.) Bon. Potentilla pratensis

Potentilla delphinensis is a herbaceous perennial species of cinquefoil belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is endemic to France, where it is limited to the southern French Alps (Savoie et Dauphiné: Bauges; Isère; Hautes-Alpes, Col du Lautaret).

Description

The biological form of Potentilla delphiniensis is hemicryptophyte scapose, as its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves.

This plant has an erect, strong and hirsute stem reaching on average 30–50 centimetres (12–20 in) in height.^[1] The leaves are in rosette, hairy, with a long petiole and are divided into five obovate and toothed leaflets with elongate lanceolate stipules.^[1] The inflorescence has several large flowers (about 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) in diameter), with a corolla of yellow petals. The flowering period extends from July through August. It is insect-pollinated.

It is sympatric with the similar congeners Potentilla grandiflora and Potentilla thuringiaca. It grows in sunny, rocky areas and mountain pastures at an altitude of 1,500–2,800 metres (4,900–9,200 ft) above sea level.