Moluccella laevis (Cultivated)

Moluccella laevis L., Sp. Pl. 587 1753. (syn: Lamium moluccella E.H.L.Krause; Molucca laevis (L.) Moench);

Moluccella laevis (Bells-of-Ireland, Bells of Ireland, Molucca balmis, Shellflower, Shell flower) is a summer flowering annual, native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. It is cultivated for its spikes of flowers. In the language of flowers, it represents luck.

The tiny white flowers are surrounded by apple green calyces which are persistent. The rounded leaves are pale green.

Fast growing, Moluccella laevis will reach 1 metre and spread to 30 centimeters with an erect, branching habit.^[1]

A member of the mint family, the blooming stems can be cut and used in fresh or dried flower arrangements.

The domestic plant is self-seeding, prefers full sun and regular water and are unlikely to do well in hot, humid climates.

(From Wikipedia on 16.5.15)

Lamiaceae (incl. Verbenaceae) Fortnight: Lamiaceae-Moluccella laevis from California-GSMAY65/68 : 1 post by 1 author.

Moluccella laevis L., Sp. Pl. 587. 1753.

Shell flower, bells of Ireland

A popular component of Florist’s bouquets. Annual glabrous herb with up to 40 cm long leaves, ate-orbicular, rounded, cordate or cuneate at base, crenate or dentate.; flowers mauve pink to white in 4-6 flowered clusters; bracts subulate, spreading; calyx enlarged up to 3 cm in fruit, prominently veined, lobes scarcely differentiated but mucronate; constituting the ornamental twig; nutlets about 3 mm long

Photographed from California