Dracocephalum moldavica L.
Fully hardy, erect, bushy annual with aromatic, triangular, toothed leaves, to 4cm long, and slender spike-like racemes of whorled, 2-lipped, violet-blue to purple, sometimes white flowers, to 2.5cm long, in summer. To 60cm. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This is a medical plant much used by the Mexicans and sold in the market at Colima. It is probably cultivated in the gardens, but it was not seen by Dr. Palmer in any of his excursions.’ [Contributions from the U.S National Herbarium vol.1, p.351/1890-95]. The leaves and seeds have a number of medicinal uses and the leaves can be used as a tea.
Introduced to Britain by 1596 [PD], grown in the garden of John Gerard under the name Melilotus Turcica, the Turkie Balme. Don.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.120/1845].
Notes
I have found no reference to a plant named Lallemantia Moldavica but Lallemantia is a genus in the family Lamiaceae.
Published Feb 08, 2009 - 04:56 PM | Last updated Mar 22, 2010 - 02:57 PM
| Family | Lamiaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Eastern Europe to China |
| Synonyms | Moldavica moldavica Britton |
| Common Name | Dragon’s head |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Lallemantia Moldavica |
| Confidence level | medium |