Black Rampion

Phyteuma nigrum, the black rampion, is a relatively rare species of plant in the family Campanulaceae. P. nigrum is located in central to northern Europe, primarily concentrated in Scandinavia. Much progress is yet to be made in forming concrete evolutionary relationships within this family and between the genera, but the molecular data from P. nigrum has contributed to the progress made in completing the evolutionary tree. The decrease in P. nigrum numbers over the past few decades has prompted the investigation into the reasons behind such a decline, leading to the conclusion that the factors that lead to a healthy P. nigrum population also run the risk of harming the population if not in just the right amount. The delicate nature of this organism makes its survival and reproductive success that much more uncertain.