Stems simple or with few ascending branches proximally, 6–30 cm, glandular-hairy. Leaves 4 or 5 pairs, ascending or divaricate, glandular-hairy; blade ovate, 4–10(–12) x 2–7 mm, margins purple, apex acute. Spikelike racemes 2–18 cm; flowers 1–12 pairs, interrupted proximally, dense distally, glandular-hairy; peduncle absent; bracts foliaceous, 7–9 x 6–7 mm, margins of distal bracts with 1 pair of teeth. Pedicels 0.5–2 mm, glabrous. Flowers: calyx tubular, 6–12 mm, tube 4–9.5 mm, hairy or glandular-hairy, lobes +/- equal, lanceolate, 2–4 x 1.5–2 mm, herbaceous, margins entire, apex acute, hairy or glandular-hairy; corolla red-purple, 8–18 mm, glandular-hairy externally, throat with 2 yellow, ridgelike appendages, abaxial lobes spreading, adaxial projecting; stamens included, pollen sacs yellow, 1–2 mm, mucronate distally, glabrous, dehiscing longitudinally in distal 3/4–4/5; style 4–6 mm, glabrous; stigma 2-lobed. Capsules 6–12 x 2–3 mm, glabrous. Seeds 0.3–0.5 mm, smooth. 2n = 48 (Europe).

Phenology: Flowering Apr–May.
Habitat: Pastures, roadsides, open areas.
Elevation: 0–100 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Calif., Europe, n Africa, Atlantic Islands (Canary Islands), introduced also in South America, w Asia, s Australia.

Discussion

Bellardia latifolia may be found also in the Canary Islands and as an introduction to South America.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.