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Cymbalaria muralis
It spreads quickly, growing up to 5 cm (2.0 in) tall—it commonly grows in rock and wall crevices, and along footpaths. The leaves are evergreen, rounded to heart-shaped, 2.5 to 5 cm (0.98 to 2.0 in) long and wide, three-seven lobed, alternating on thin stems. The flowers are very small, similar in shape to snapdragon flowers. This plant has an unusual method of propagation. The flower stalk is initially positively phototropic (moves towards the light), after fertilization it becomes negatively phototropic (moves away from the light). This results in seed being pushed into dark crevices of rock walls, where it is more likely to germinate and where it prefers to grow.
It is native to Mediterranean Europe and widely naturalized elsewhere. It is often found growing from holes in old walls as the photos are showing.
Spotted on May 21, 2013
Submitted on May 21, 2013
2 Comments
Yes, a living ornament on the wall :)
Lovely flower :-)