Kleuh

Kleuh, also known as Rhodospermum spectabile, is a small perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a flowering plant native to Europe, with its primary distribution in the mountainous regions of the Alps and the Balkan Peninsula.

The plant grows to a height of 10-30 centimeters and is characterized by its dissected or pinnate leaves, which are arranged oppositely on long stems. The flowers, typically found in a mixture of pink and white hues, are bell-shaped and arise in tight clusters from the upper parts of the plant. The common name "Kleuh" is primarily used in the German-speaking countries of the European Alps.

Kleuh typically blooms in late summer, often between July and September. The species is commonly found in rocky and alpine meadows, as well as on stony and calcareous slopes. It is typically associated with sun-exposed and well-drained conditions.

In botanical contexts, Rhodospermum spectabile is recognized as a synonym for the more specific category Aposeris. However, some sources continue to utilize Kleuh as a valid epithet in the Rhodospermum genus.

The speedy seed dispersal and potential competitive displacement by more aggressive native plant species are among the ecological concerns for the long-term preservation of Kleuh. Overall, the relatively limited distribution and localized adaptation of Kleuh suggest a classification as a regional and endemically specialized taxon within the broader context of mountain flora.