Cochlearia pyrenaica

The few localities of Cochlearia pyrenaica DC. in N.E. Belgium and N.W. Germany, occurring outside the main area in the mountain belt (Pyrenees, Central France, S. Germany, N. Alps, Carpathians), are thought to be relic stations of a more continuous area of distribution in earlier periods, perhaps Late Glacial. This supposition necessitates the restoration of C. pyrenaica to specific rank, even to that of a species group, in contrast to the halophilous Cochlearia species (including C. officinalis s.s.), with mainly a subarctic centre of distribution. Related inland-forms from the British Isles, the East Alps, Poland and Tatra, which are often given (sub-)specific value, may be older “segregates” from the C. pyrenaica group.