Common name:
Bastard balm
Family:
Scientific name:
Melittis melissophyllum
Main flower color:
Range:
Mainly in Pembrokeshire, far southwest England, and along the south coast
Height:
Up to 60 cm
Habitat:
Hedges, roadsides, rough grassland, open woodland
Flowers:
The corolla, white to pale pink, is relatively large, up to 4 cm long; a widening tube that opens to two lips, the upper somewhat cupped, projecting forwards, the lower angled down, divided into a pair of lateral lobes and a larger central lobe, marked with a large patch of darker pink, or purple. Calyces are green, around 1 cm long, with two broad, shallow teeth. Stamens have white filaments and yellowish anthers
Leaves:
Ovate, opposite, hairy, lined by small, semi-regular teeth, with prominent venation and a crinkly surface. Up to 9 cm long
Season:
May to July
Rarity:
★★★★★
