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Phlomis
are herbaceous plants, sub-shrubs
or shrubs, hardy or tender in the UK. They are members of
the Labiate family. Leaves are entire, opposite (each leaf
pair at right angles to the next) and rugose or reticulate
veined. The floral leaves or bracts are similar or different
to the lower leaves. All parts are frequently covered with
hairs, which are mainly stellate or dendroid and which can
take a variety of forms including glandular. The flowers are
arranged in whorls (verticillasters) round the stems which
are usually square in section with rounded corners, although
indumentum on the stems can make them appear more circular.
The colour of the flowers varies from yellow to pink, purple
and white. The bracteoles which if present, directly surround
the whorl of calyces, are ovate, lanceolate or linear. The
calyx is tubular, barrel- or campanulate-shaped with 5 or
10 veins visible. The 5 calyx teeth are either all of equal
length or the outer two are longer than the others. The teeth
are held at various angles. There are 4 stamens ascending
under the upper lip. The anther has a forked end, the upper
fork being shorter than the lower. The fruits are four three
sided nutlets, sometimes topped with minimal hair, sometimes
hairless. The root system can be very extensive, occasionally
with tubers.
Section
Phlomis ——————————Section
Phlomoides
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