Samolus valerandi L.
Diagnostic description:
An erect, hairless perennial. Stems simple or branched, from 10 to 60 cm long. Leaves obovate to spathulate, entire, shiny, 1 to 9 cm long; forming a basal rosette and alternate up the stem. Flowers on pedicels up to 1.5 cm long; bell-shaped, white, 2 to 4 mm across; in a lax, sometimes branching raceme; the 5 rounded petals fused towards the base.
Distribution:
Local: Rare in Gibraltar. Found around the entrances of caves on the East Side, especially Gorham’s Cave, and around tunnel entrances. A small stand has also been introduced at the Alameda Gardens.
Global: Found throughout most of Europe.
Ecology:
Flowers from April, May, June, July, August to September (November).
Habitat:
Grows on salty, muddy soils, stream margins, ditches; especially near the coast.