Ballota nigra L. subsp. nigra Black-horehound

Ballota nigra L. subsp. nigra - Black-horehound

Scientific Description:

Plant bearing only simple hairs. Stems erect, 50−100 cm, simple or branched above. Cauline leaves ovate-orbicular to ovate, 25−70 × 20−50 mm, acute, crenate-dentate, truncate or rounded at base, distinctly petiolate. Inflorescence long, lax below. Floral leaves 1−2 × dense verticillasters. Bracteoles subulate, usually shorter than calyx tube. Calyx 7−10 mm, tubular-obconical, dilated above into usually 5, very short to attenuate teeth that are porrect to patent or recurved, mucronate or aristate. Corolla purple or pink, 9−14 mm; upper lip concave, emarginate or erose.

 

Reference:

Davis PH & Doroszenko A (1982). Ballota nigra L., In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 7: 163.

Public Description:

Ballota nigra L. subsp. nigra, known as “black-horehound”, grows naturally in the Mediterranean region, Central Asia and Europe. It is a perennial plant with purple or pink flowers, and grows up to 100 cm in length. It has a very strong characteristic smell that reminds of mould or humidity, and is recognised by its hairy flower clusters. The extract of the plant is used as an antispasmodic, stimulant and vermifuge.

 

References:

Anonymous 1 (2016). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballota_nigra/, Accessed date: 14.02.2016.

Anonymous 2 (2016). http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/b/ballota-nigra=black-horehound.php, Accessed date: 14.02.2016.

Tezcan F (2012). Ballota L., In: Güner, A., Aslan, S., Ekim, T., Vural, M. & Babaç, M.T. (eds.), Türkiye Bitkileri Listesi (Damarlı Bitkiler). Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanik Bahçesi ve Flora Araştırmaları Derneği Yayını. İstanbul, pp. 548–550.