Androsace, commonly known as rock jasmine, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Primulaceae, second only to Primula in the number of species. It is predominantly Arctic–alpine, with many species in the Himalayas (where the genus originated), the mountains of central Asia, the Caucasus, and the southern and central European mountain systems, particularly the Alps and the Pyrenees. Plants of this genus are sometimes known as rock jasmines or fairy candelabras, and are widely cultivated for their dense cushions covered in white or pink flowers. There are roughly 110 species. These plants have small entire or toothed leaves which form a basal rosette.

Taxonomy

Recent molecular studies show that the genera Douglasia (found in north-western North America and easternmost Siberia), Pomatosace (an Himalayan endemic) and Vitaliana (a European endemic) are nested within Androsace. Phylogenetic studies have also demonstrated that the ancestor of Androsace first appeared about 35 Mya ago and was most probably an annual species. Evolution towards the denser morphology of cushions took place two times independently in Asia and in Europe.

Species

, Plants of the World Online recognizes the following 166 species, including those formerly placed in Douglasia and Vitaliana.

Former Douglasia species

The online Flora of North America placed nine species in Douglasia that are now included in Androsace (names in Androsace from Plants of the World Online ):

New species described in 2021

A group of scientist disentangled the morphology and ecology of Androsace genius in the French Alps and described three new species in 2021:

Cultivation

The following species have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. All are mat-forming evergreen perennials.