Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv.
Diagnostic description:
A branched perennial, with decumbent or ascending stems up to 40 cm long. Leaves linear-lanceolate, densely silvery-haired. Flowers sweet scented, 5 to 7 mm across, 4-petalled, white, in racemes which form rounded clusters at first, but which become elongated in fruit. Silicula disc shaped, 2 to 3 mm across, with one seed per cavity.
Distribution:
Local: Very common and widespread throughout Gibraltar. Grows on clearings, waysides and coastal areas.
Global: Found throughout the Mediterranean region, southern Portugal and the Canary Islands.
Ecology:
Flowers mainly between November, December, January, February, March, April and May, but may be seen flowering virtually all year round.
Uses:
Cultivated as a garden plant where it is often used for borders.