Authors: C. Stace, R. van der Meijden (ed.) & I. de Kort (ed.)
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Scientific name:

Melittis melissophyllum

Vernacular name:

Balm, Bastard


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Bastard Balm

Scientific name: Melittis melissophyllum L.

Diagnostic features
Stems erect, to 70cm.
Lowerleaves ovate, cordate to rounded at base, petiolate.
Corolla 25-40mm, with lower lip longer than upper.

Chromosome number: 2n=30.

Habitat
Native; woods and hedgerows.

Distribution
Very local in Southwest Wales, Southwest & South England East to West (formerly East) Sussex, rare escape from gardens elsewhere in Wales and South & Central England.

This species is keyed out on Page 3137: Melittis and other genera; and on Page 3159: Melittis & other genera in the Text Key.

Melittis melissophyllum
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Balm, Bastard
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