Buttercup Flower: Name Origin. Buttercup is the most known common name of the entire Ranunculus genus in the Ranunculaceae family. The huge genus, which contains over 600 species, is native to the United States of America and Eurasia (1). Specialty corms grown in Italy, these ranunculus are superior to standard ranunculus in size, form, petal count, color and stem length. If properly maintained they can easily last 14 days. There are three types of Itlaian Ranunculus we grow: Cloni Success, Pon Pon and Elegance.

Once established, brightly colored ranunculus plants require little maintenance. Plant bulbs in containers or directly in a flower bed for a bright show of color in spring. The blooms of the ranunculus make long-lasting cut flowers. Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae) plants, around 600 species, are globally distributed (Emadzade et al., 2011; Wang, 1995). Ranunculus is the largest genus of Ranunculaceae and can be found on every continent, from tropical to the Arctic and Subantarctic regions. It is particularly rich in temperate and Mediterranean regions.

Ranunculus bulbosus, commonly known as bulbous buttercup or St. Anthony's turnip,^[1] is a perennialflowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It has bright yellow flowers, and deeply divided, three-lobed long-petioled basal leaves.

Description[edit]

The stems are 20–40 cm tall, erect, branching, and slightly hairy, with a swollen corm-like base.^[2]:120[3] There are alternate and sessile leaves on the stem. The flower forms at the apex of the stems, with 5–7 petals,^[3] the sepals strongly reflexed.^[2] The flowers are glossy yellow and 1.5–3 cm wide. The plant blooms from April to July.

Distribution[edit]

The native range of Ranunculus bulbosus is Western Europe between about 60°N and the Northern Mediterraneancoast. It grows in both the eastern and western parts of North America as an introduced weed.^[4]Bulbous buttercup grows in lawns, pastures and fields in general, preferring nutrient-poor, well-drained soils. Although it doesn't generally grow in proper crops or improved grassland, it is often found in hay fields^[5] and in coastal grassland.

Etymology[edit]

The bulbous buttercup gets its name from its distinctive perennating organ, a bulb-like swollen underground stem or corm, which is situated just below the soil surface. After the plant dies in heat of summer, the corm survives underground through the winter.^[6][7]Although the presence of a corm distinguishes Ranunculus bulbosus from some other species of buttercup such as Ranunculus acris, the species also has distinctive reflexed sepals.

Types Of Ranunculus Flowers

Other names for the bulbous buttercup are 'Goldcup' because of the colour and shape of the leaves, and 'Frogs-foot' from their form.^[8]

Chemical constituents[edit]

This plant, like other buttercups, contains the toxic glycosideranunculin. It is avoided by livestock when fresh, but when the plant dries the toxin is lost, so hay containing the plant is safe for animal consumption.^[3]

References[edit]

1. ^'Ranunculus bulbosa'. Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 18 October 2015.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
2. ^ ^abStace, C. A. (2019). New Flora of the British Isles (Fourth ed.). Middlewood Green, Suffolk, U.K.: C & M Floristics. ISBN978-1-5272-2630-2.
3. ^ ^abcRH Uva, JC Neal and JM Ditomaso (1997) Weeds of The Northeast, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. pp. 294-295
4. ^Weed management
5. ^Bulbous Buttercup: Ranunculus bulbosus
6. ^S Coles (1973) Ranunculus bulbosus L in Europe. Watsonia 9: 207-228
7. ^J Sarukhan (1974) Studies on plant demography: Ranunculus repens L., R. bulbosus L. and R. acris L.: II. Reproductive strategies and seed population dynamics. The Journal of Ecology: 151-177
8. ^Grieve, Maud (1971). A Modern Herbal: The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs, & Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses, Volume 1. p. 149. ISBN9780486227986.

External links[edit]

• Media related to Ranunculus bulbosus at Wikimedia Commons

Ranunculus is a large genus of more than 500 species of flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Europe, Asia and northwest Africa.
The species are mostly herbaceous perennials distributed all around the world. If carefully tended, these plants will produce beautiful, showy and bright flowers with five or more petals and numerous pistils and stamens. These long lasting flowers are great for cutting and vase displays.

Name meaning:

The genus name is derived from Latin words “rana” (“frog”) and “unculus” (“little”), in reference to many species being found near water.

Ranunculus symbolism:

Ranunculus symbolizes attractiveness and charm.

Interesting facts about Ranunculus:

Is Ranunculus Poisonous?

All species are poisonous and contain a compound called ranunculin, which breaks down to a toxin called protoanemonin when the leaves of the plant are damaged.
They are considered toxic to both humans and animals and can cause dermatitis, diarrhea and vomiting.

Benefits and Uses

The plant has a medicinal value and is used to treat various ailments such as arthritis, gout, nerve pain, flu, herpes, meningitis and chest problems.

Ranunculus is one of the most popular wedding flower. Due to the fact it will stay fresh up to 7 days after being cut, it is perfect for wedding bouquets and arrangements.

Plant Type:

Annuals, Bulbs, Perennials

Color:

The flowers are usually yellow, but may also be white, pink and red.

Ranunculus Varieties