Lonicera etrusca

Scientific description

Taxon: Lonicera etrusca
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass: Asterids
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Common name: Etruscan honeysuckle

Origin:
Southern Europe, Mediterranean region.

Description:
Climbing subshrub 1–3 m with twining stems, glabrous or pubescent. Deciduous, obovate leaves; upper leaves sometimes connate. Highly fragrant flowers yellowish-white inside, reddish outside, in terminal whorls with long peduncles. Calyx with subacute teeth; glabrous corolla tube longer than lobes. Fruits ovoid red berries.

Propagation:
Seeds or semi-woody cuttings in summer; may also propagate via natural layering.

Ecology:
Mediterranean species, woodland edges, dry scrub, sunny slopes. Prefers calcareous, well-drained soils.

Uses:
Ornamental for fragrant flowers. Not edible.

Threats:
Least Concern; locally threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.

Creative writing inspired by Lonicera etrusca

Etruscan honeysuckle

Once upon a time, a man named Jérôme came from Rome to the fairy world of Josette because his mother was very ill. He was attached to his mother because his father had abandoned them at an early age and had learned to live alone with her. And he would do anything to save her, for her existence gave meaning to his life. So he went to the fairy to ask for a remedy: the Etruscan honeysuckle plant, which didn't exist in his world.

Suddenly, as he made his way to the fairy's house, he heard a horrible scream and began to fear, but he remained calm as a tree, full of wisdom. Then the terrible Samos, tyrannical king of the fairy world, opened the door. Jérôme knew at once that it was an evil man. Samos, without saying hello, said: “You must pass a test to have this fruit, for it is unique in the world.”

Jérôme met the fairy Josette and begged her to help him save his mother from her serious illness. Samos, moved by the story, finally gave in and agreed. Jérôme set off with the plant, saved his mother and planted the seeds. Later, the plants flowered and bore fruit to commemorate life. He watered them every day and took good care of them.

It's from this story that we know the fabulous tree that goes by the name of Etruscan honeysuckle.

3D Interactive View

Authentic Specimen