Vähemtähtsaks

Vähemtähtsaks, also known as the lesser star-saxifrage or *Saxifraga stellaris*, is a small perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. It is commonly found in alpine and subalpine regions of Europe, particularly in the Pyrenees, the Alps, and the Carpathian Mountains. The species thrives in rocky, well-drained soils, often growing on limestone substrates in open, sunny environments.

The plant is characterized by its rosette of star-shaped leaves, which give it its common name. Each leaf is divided into five to seven narrow, pointed segments, resembling a star. In late spring to early summer, vähemtähtsaks produces clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers with five petals. These flowers are arranged in a loose, branching inflorescence, adding to the plant's delicate appearance.

Vähemtähtsaks is often cultivated in alpine gardens and rockeries due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is well-suited for growing in containers or as part of a dry, stony landscape design. The plant is hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, making it suitable for colder climates.

Ecologically, vähemtähtsaks plays a role in its native habitats by contributing to soil stability and providing food for pollinators. Its preference for rocky environments helps it avoid competition with larger plants. While not considered endangered, its distribution is limited to specific alpine and subalpine zones, where it remains a distinctive and valued component of the flora.

In Estonian folklore and traditional medicine, vähemtähtsaks has been used in various remedies, though scientific validation of its medicinal properties is limited. The plant is generally low-maintenance in cultivation, requiring minimal watering once established and thriving in poor, rocky soils.