Centaurium erythraea Rafn
Diagnostic description:
A hairless annual or biennial, to 45 cm tall, sometimes branching from the base. The basal leaves are oblong to spathulate and form a rosette. The stem leaves are oblong to lanceolate, clearly 3-5 veined. Flowers bright pink, about 1.5 cm across, in dense, flat-topped clusters.
Distribution:
Local: Common and widespread on the Upper Rock.
Global: Found throughout most of Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Ecology:
Flowers from (April) May to June (August).
Habitat:
Grows in clearings and on waysides.
Uses:
The plant has been used for medicinal purposes in the past and produces a yellowish-green dye.