| Veronica beccabunga | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Veronica |
| Species: | V. beccabunga |
| Binomial name | |
| Veronica beccabunga L. |
|
Veronica beccabunga (Brooklime, European speedwell) is a succulent herb belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It grows on the margins of brooks and ditches in Europe, North Africa and north and western Asia. It can be found on other continents as an introduced species. It has smooth spreading branches, blunt oblong leaves and small bright blue or pink flowers.
The species name beccabunga is of uncertain origin, but it may come from the German bachbunge ("brook" + "bunch"), or the Flemish bechpunge ("mouth smart") for the tartness of the leaves.[1]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.