This species, with a mainly western, strictly Mediterranean distribution, is present with certainty in Sardinia and Sicily (of uncertain occurrence in Calabria and not found since a long time in Lazio). It grows in maquis vegetation and in Mediterranean garrigues, in the shade of shrubs, on soils which are fresh at least in winter and spring, from sea level to about 600 m. The species is sporadic on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in shaded areas. The genus is dedicated to the brothers Bartolomeo Ambrosini (1588-1657) and Giacinto Ambrosini (1605-1671): the former was responsible for the Botanical Garden of Bologna, the latter succeeded his brother in the same role; the species is dedicated to the botanist Ferdinand Bassi of Bologna (1710-1774), who collaborated with Linnaeus in the description of this species. Flowering period: December to March. |
