About Physoplexis comosa (L.) Schur
Physoplexis comosa, commonly called the tufted horned rampion, is a flowering plant species in the Campanulaceae family, native to alpine Europe. It is the only species in the genus Physoplexis, and was previously classified within the genus Phyteuma. Molecular research shows this species has a close genetic relationship with Phyteuma nigrum. This is an herbaceous perennial that grows to 8 cm (3 inches) tall and 10 cm (4 inches) wide. It produces glossy, toothed, narrow oval leaves, and dense umbels of necked pale mauve flowers that have distinct purple tufted tips, which bloom in summer. In the wild, it occurs in the Alps at elevations between 300 m (984 ft) and 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Its specific epithet comosa means "tufted". When cultivated, it is well-suited for rockeries and alpine gardens, and it has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
