Bastard Balm | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Lamiaceae |
Genus: | Melittis |
Species: | M. melissophyllum |
Binomial name | |
Melittis melissophyllum L. |
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Synonyms | |
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Melittis melissophyllum, common name: the Bastard Balm, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Melittis of the Lamiaceae family. The name melittis of the genus derives from a Greek words Melissa or Melitta, meaning "honey bee" and refers to the properties of flowers of attracting these insects. The name melissophyllum of the species simply means "with leaves similar to melissa".
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Melittis melissophyllum reaches on average 30–50 centimetres (12–20 in) of height, with a minimum of 20 centimetres (7.9 in) and a maximum of 60 centimetres (24 in). It is a strongly aromatic plant with erect hairy stems. The root of this plant is a perennial short rhizome. This species is quite variable in shape of leaves and colors. The leaves reach 5–9 centimetres (2.0–3.5 in) of length. They are oval, bluntly-toothed, quite hairy. They have a short petiole and are in opposite pairs up the stems. The inflorescence is composed of large pedunculated hermaphrodite flowers (two to six, or more) growing in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are labiate, arranged in pairs and are one-sided (all flowers "look" at the same side). They are usually white or pale pink with a large pinkish purple blotch on the lower lip. They are mainly pollinated by bees and moths. The flowering period extends from May through August.
"Bastard balm" is ideal for a sunny woodland edge or scrubby border, where it will be attractive to bees and other insects. It prefers moist, well-drained soils. There is a deep red garden cultivar called "Royal Velvet Distinction".
It is found in central and southern Europe from southern England and West Wales as far east as Turkey.
These plants prefer shady environment with mountain deciduous woods (oak, beech and chestnut), but also areas with , pines, hedges, shrubs and junipers. They usually occur on wood-edges and hedgebanks at an altitude of 0–1,400 metres (0–4,600 ft) above sea level.
Media related to Melittis melissophylum at Wikimedia Commons