Silene colorata Poir.
Diagnostic description:
A densely hairy, erect or ascending annual, between 15 and 30 cm tall. Leaves spathulate to linear, 3 to 4 cm long. Flowers 1.5 to 2 cm across, on a monochasial spike; only fully opening between evening and early morning. Petals pink, deeply bilobed. Calyx densely hairy, becoming club-shaped in fruit.
Distribution:
Local: Fairly common in Gibraltar, but not widespread. Mainly found along the upper ridge of the Rock, Martin’s Path and Mediterranean Steps, with some found on the East Side.
Global: Found throughout the Mediterranean region and also the Canary Islands and south west Asia.
Ecology:
Flowers between (February) April, May and June.
Habitat:
Grows in garigue and clearings in the maquis.