Prunella vulgaris L. f. parviflora (Poir.) Hiitonen (Finland, Lohja, Pappila, 2000). – Image: Harri Harmaja (scanned from dried specimen). – This taxon differs from typical P. vulgaris (Lamiaceae): (i) the plant is smaller in all parts, (ii) the inflorescence is almost globose (vs. elongated), (iii) the bracts are broadly ovate (vs. reniform), (iv) the corolla is white (vs. usually red), and (v) the appendage of the anther is curved (vs. straight). A stand of these striking plants was found on lawn by the stone fence of the famous medieval church of Lohja (SW Finland). Obviously this taxon, known from some Finnish localities, is not merely an albinotic form of the variable species P. vulgaris but would deserve further study. Its nomenclature is somewhat intricate: it has been treated at the specific level as P. parviflora Poir. and probably also as P. alba Hagf. (non P. alba Pall. nec P. alba M.Bieb. nom. illeg.).
Created September 16, 2004.