STACHYS SPINULOSA

Family and Genus:- See- LABIATAE/Sect. OLISIA

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- None

Meaning:- Stachys (Gr) Spike-like.

Spinulosa (Gr) Bearing small spines.

General description:- Erect, glandular-pubescent annual with stiff bristly hairs.

Stem:-

1) 10-60 cm. scabrid on the angles.

Leaves:-

1) 20-60 x 10-40 mm, ovate.

2) Lower, cordate.

3) Upper, rounded at the base, crenate, sparsely hairy.

Flowers:-

1) Verticillasters, 4- to 6-flowered, the upper crowded, the lower distant.

2) Calyx, broadly campanulate, 9-11 mm, glandular-pubescent;

a) teeth, c. ½ as long as the tube.

3) Corolla, 20-22 mm, white or pale yellow with purple spots, glandular-pubescent.

the tube, exceeding the calyx;

a) upper lip, 5-8 mm, entire, white.

b) lower,8-11 mm, cream with small pinkish-purple dots.

Fruit:-

1) Nutlets, 4, 1-seeded.

Key features:-

1) Calyx, with glandular hairs but without stalked glands.

2) Stem, ± scabrid on the angles.

3) Lower leaves, cordate at the base.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:- Seasonally damp habitats in scrubland vegetation olive groves, gorges,

open woodland and field margins. 0-800 m.

Distribution:- Balkan peninsula, Aegean Islands and W. Turkey. On Crete confined

mainly to the west.

Flowering time:- Late Mar to early June.

Photos by:- Sue Turvey