Lamium amplexicaule L.
2688 (7). L. amplexicaule L., Sp. PL, ed. I (1753) 579; Hayek, Prodr. Fl. Penins. Bale., II (1929) 276; Ball, FL Eur., Ill (1972) 148 — Стъблообхваната мъртва коприва
Fam: Labiatae Juss. (Lamiaceae)
Genus: Lamium L.
Species: Lamium amplexicaule L.
English Name: Henbit dead-nettle, Common henbit, or Greater henbitDescription: Annul plant. Stem (-5) 10 - 30 (-40) cm high, from the base strongly branched with ascending or upright branches, at the bottom almost barely, in the part of flowers with rare hairs to thick fiber; lower internodes significantly longer than the top. Ground and lower stem leaves with 1 - 2 cm long stems; the upper prickling leaves contiguous, stem embracing, kidney or round to ovate round, 0.7 - 2.5 cm long and 1 - 2.5 cm (3) cm wide, round dull toothed to blunt. Blossoms 1.5 - 2.5 cm long, seated, most often 2 - 3 in dihases forming 4 - 6-blossomd vertebrae in the bosom of the upper leaves. The calyx 4 - 6 mm long, tubular, bell-shaped, with lying fibrous; the teeth lance, narrowly tapered, shorter than the tube. Corolla 14 - 20 (-25) mm long, pink-red; the corolla tube straight, 10 - 15 mm long, 3 - 4 times longer than the calyx, inside without without a ring of hairs; upper lip 3 - 5 mm long, whole, helmet, outside covered with whitish hairs; lower lip with very small or nearly absent lateral partitions and 1.5 - 2.5 mm wide back medial heartbeat with dark red spots. The anthers with hairs. Walnut oblong ovoid triangular, 2 - 3 mm long, smooth or fine grained, light brown.
From: „Флора на Н Р България”, том IX, БАН, София, (1989) * * *
Lamium amplexicaule, commonly known as henbit dead-nettle,[1] common henbit, or greater henbit, is a species of Lamium native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa.
It is a low-growing annual plant growing to 10–25 cm (3.9–9.8 in) tall, with soft, finely hairy stems. The leaves are opposite, rounded, 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) diameter, with a lobed margin. The flowers are pink to purple, 1.5–2 cm (0.59–0.79 in) long. The specific name refers to the amplexicaul leaves (leaves grasping the stem).Description
Henbit dead-nettle is an annual herb with a sprawling habit and short erect squarish, lightly hairy stems. It grows to a height of about 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12 in). The leaves are in opposite pairs, often with long internodes. The lower leaves are stalked and the upper ones stalkless, often fused, and clasping the stems. The blades are hairy and kidney-shaped, with rounded teeth. The flowers are relatively large and form a few-flowered terminal spike with axillary whorls. The calyx is regular with five lobes and closes up after flowering. The corolla is purplish-red, fused into a tube 15 to 20 mm (0.6 to 0.8 in) long. The upper lip is convex, 3 to 5 mm (0.12 to 0.20 in) long and the lower lip has three lobes, two small side ones and a larger central one 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.06 to 0.10 in) long. There are four stamens, two long and two short. The gynoecium has two fused carpels and the fruit is a four-chambered schizocarp.[2]
This plant flowers very early in the spring even in northern areas, and for most of the winter and the early spring in warmer locations such as the Mediterranean region. At times of year when there are not many pollinating insects, the flowers self-pollinate.[2]Distribution and habitat
Henbit dead-nettle is probably native to the Mediterranean region but has since spread around the world. It is found growing in open areas, gardens, fields and meadows.[2] It propagates freely by seed, where it becomes a key part of a meadow ecosystem, Sometimes entire fields will be reddish-purple with its flowers before spring ploughing. Where common, it is an important nectar and pollen plant for bees, especially honeybees, where it helps start the spring build up.
It is widely naturalised in eastern North America and elsewhere, However, due to its attractive appearance, edibility and readiness to grow in many climates, often means it is permitted to grow when other 'weeds' are not. This plant, though common is not regarded as a threat to local ecosystems. It plays an arguably beneficial role in its environment, by providing nectar to pollinators and providing forage for animals, the seed is also eaten by many species of birds.[3] However, non-native species can be criticized for destabilizing ecosystems by favoring certain species over others. They typically also do not provide food for insect larvae.Uses
The leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant are edible and have a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, similar to celery. Henbit can be eaten raw or cooked.
From From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia * * *
Flowering Time: Blooms: III - IX.
References: „Флора на Н Р България”, том IX, БАН, София, (1989), Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Distribution in Bulgaria: Grow in grassy and bumpy places, and also as a weed mainly in winter cereals, vegetable and orchard gardens, vineyards and others. Widespread, mostly in the plains and foothills up to 1000 m altitude. (Conspectus of the Bulgarian Vascular Flora) = conspectus&gs_l= Zlc.
Distribution: Europe, North Africa, South-West Asia. Transported to North America.
Conservation status and threats: not protected species in Bulgaria by the Biodiversity Law. - Biological Diversity Act - http://eea.government.bg/bg/legislation/biodiversity/zbran_22.08.15.pdf
Medical plant: it is not - Medicinal Plants Act - http://eea.government.bg/bg/legislation/biodiversity/ZLR_en.pdf
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