Bastard Balm

Melittis melissophyllum

Bastard Balm is a lovely plant with soft, fuzzy leaves and pretty flowers. It likes to grow in shady places and can attract bees and butterflies, making it a favorite in gardens.

Hábitat: Forests

Aspecto

The Bastard Balm has distinctive two-lipped flowers, often white with purple or pink markings, emerging from leaf axils. Its upright stems are covered in soft, hairy, dark green leaves, giving the plant a textured appearance.

ReinoPlantaeFiloTracheophytaClaseMagnoliopsidaOrdenLamialesFamiliaLamiaceaeGéneroMelittis

Bastard Balm

Categoría

Plantas

Rareza

Common

Peligro

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Datos interesantes

Even though it looks delicate, this plant can thrive for many years, returning to bloom in the same spot each spring!

Its quirky name "Bastard Balm" might come from its resemblance to true balm mint but not being quite the same!

Some cultures traditionally believed its sweet scent had calming properties, using it for peaceful feelings.

The intricate pattern on its lower flower lip acts like a landing strip, guiding bees straight to its nectar prize!

Habilidades especiales

Bastard Balm can release a sweet, lemon-like fragrance that helps it attract specific pollinators like bees from far away.

Bastard Balm has soft, hairy stems and leaves that help protect it from some hungry insects and retain moisture in dry spells.

Bastard Balm has uniquely shaped, two-lipped flowers that guide insect pollinators directly to its pollen, ensuring successful reproduction.

Medidas y detalles

Altura: 20-60 cm
Extensión: 20-40 cm
Tamaño de la flor: 2-3 cm
Temporada de floración: Late spring to early summer
Comestible: No
Toxicidad: Ninguna
Ciclo de vida: Perenne
Método de polinización: Insectos

Conexiones ecológicas

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Drinks nectar and collects pollen.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

One of its primary insect visitors.

pollinates

White-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus lucorum

Another common pollinator species.

Rasgos

Aromático

Las plantas aromáticas producen y emiten compuestos orgánicos volátiles fragantes, a menudo como defensa o para atraer a los polinizadores.

Floración

Las plantas con flores son cualquier planta que produce flores como parte de su ciclo reproductivo.

Floración de verano

Las plantas de floración de verano producen sus flores durante la temporada estival, a menudo aportando un color vibrante cuando muchas otras plantas ya han terminado de florecer.