Pseudofumaria is a small genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Papaveraceae, order Ranunculales. The genus contains only two species and is native to southern and central Europe. It was formerly included within the much larger genus Corydalis, from which it was separated on the basis of morphological and molecular distinctions; the name Pseudofumaria ("false fumitory") reflects this relationship, alluding to its resemblance to the fumitory group (Fumaria) within Papaveraceae.
Both species are compact, mound-forming perennials with delicate, finely divided glaucous-green foliage and small tubular, spurred flowers. Pseudofumaria lutea (yellow corydalis) bears bright yellow flowers and is native to the rocky limestone habitats of Switzerland and northern Italy; it has become widely naturalised far beyond its native range, colonising old walls, pavements, and stony ground across temperate Europe and beyond. Pseudofumaria alba (pale corydalis, white corydalis) produces cream to pale yellow flowers and is native to the northwest Balkans.
Etymology
The name Pseudofumaria means "false fumitory," combining the Greek prefix pseudo- ("false") with Fumaria, the fumitory genus. It signals that the genus resembles Fumaria but is distinct from it; both belong to the family Papaveraceae.
Distribution
Pseudofumaria lutea is native to Switzerland and northern Italy; Pseudofumaria alba is native to the northwest Balkans. P. lutea in particular has naturalised widely across Europe and in other temperate regions, establishing itself on old walls, rocky ground, and disturbed habitats well outside its original range.
Taxonomy Notes
Pseudofumaria was formerly treated as part of the genus Corydalis. The two species were recombined into the reinstated genus Pseudofumaria by Lidén and Borkh. respectively: P. alba (Mill.) Lidén (synonym Corydalis ochroleuca) and P. lutea (L.) Borkh. (synonym Corydalis lutea). GBIF places the genus in the family Papaveraceae, order Ranunculales.
