Betonica macrantha, formerly Stachys macrantha, known as big betony, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, and northwestern Iran.[2][1] Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) broad, it is an erect herbaceous perennial with scalloped cordate leaves. Spikes of hooded purplish-pink flowers are borne throughout summer.[3]

Betonica macrantha
In bloom
Close-up of flowers
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Betonica
Species:
B. macrantha
Binomial name
Betonica macrantha
Synonyms
List
    • Betonica grandiflora Stephan ex Willd.
    • Betonica rosea Prien. ex Hornem.
    • Clinopodium grandiflorum Gueldenst. ex M.Bieb.
    • Stachys grandiflora (Stephan ex Willd.) Benth.
    • Stachys macrantha (K.Koch) Stearn

The Latin specific epithet macrantha means "large-flowered".[4]

The cultivars 'Robusta', 'Superba', and 'Violacea' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Betonica macrantha K.Koch". Plants of the World Online. Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Stachys macrantha". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
  3. ^ Brickell, Christopher, ed. (2008). The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 1002. ISBN 9781405332965.
  4. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 978-1845337315.
  5. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. December 2020. p. 12. Retrieved 1 April 2021.