Lallemantia canescens

White Grey Lallemantie ( Lallemantia canescens )

The White Grey Lallemantie ( Lallemantia canescens ) is a species of the genus Lallemantia in the mint family ( Lamiaceae).

Description

The White Grey Lallemantie is a perennial, herbaceous plant that reaches the heights of growth between 20 and 50 centimeters. It is more or less hairy white gray. The bracts are longer than wide, ciliate and perforated. The crown is violet, violet blue or purple, and 28 to 40 millimeters long. The corolla tube is longer than the calyx.

The flowering period extends from June to August.

Dissemination

The species occurs in Transcaucasia, Turkey and in Iran on rocky slopes, boulders, fallow fields and roadsides at altitudes 1300-3250 meters.

System

Lallemantia canescens was first described in 1753 as Dracocephalum canescens by Carolus Linnaeus in Species Plantarum, Volume 2, page 595. Friedrich Ernst Ludwig von Fischer and Carl Anton von Meyer transferred this taxon in 1840 Seminum Index, Volume VI, page 53 in the new genus Lallemantia on the today valid taxon. Other synonyms for Lallemantia canescens are Dracocephalum azureum Boiss., Dracocephalum incanum Salisb. (nom. illegitimate ), Lallemantia azurea ( Boiss. ) Boiss. & A.Huet and Zornia canescens (L. ) Moench.

Use

The White Grey Lallemantie is rarely used as an ornamental plant for rock gardens. It is in culture at least since 1711. The variety ' Albida ' has white to pink flowers.