A review of the taxonomy and
distribution of the European species of Damasonium Mill. has been carried out to provide
background information for conservation. Damasonium alisma Mill., D. bourgaei Coss.
and D. polyspermum Coss. are recognized as distinct species, and descriptions and a key are
presented. Lectotypes are designated for D. bourgaei and D. polyspermum.
Damasonium alisma is the most northerly taxon, predominantly occurring in France and England,
but extending eastwards to Russia. Damasonium bourgaei is widespread around the Mediterranean
eastwards at least to India. Damasonium polyspermum occurs mainly in the western
Mediterranean.
