Phlomis italica L.

Spice In the field 1 In the field 2

Family: LABIATAE (LAMIACEAE)

Genus: Phlomis

Catalan common name: Blens de frare. Estepa blenera. Estepa de bací.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean (Balearic)

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Chameophyte.

Habitats: Xero-acanthic shrubs of the mountanous regions, and steppe-grasslands of Ampelodesmos mauritanica. Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Wild olive trees and other sclerophyllous shrublands. Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata forest. Disturbed areas and road sides. Coastal rocky areas.

Characteristics: A shrub with very pilose leaves and stems, which gives the plant a yellowish green colour and a downy texture. Flowers have a characteristic arrow-shape with a fairly long petiole. Forms rose coloured flowers atop of the fertile stems, storied in arrangement. With these characteristics it is hard to mistake it for another species. Lives mostly in the mountains of Mallorca, but also in the clearings of the garrigues of Menorca and Mallorca. Flowers during the months of May and June.