Lavandula latifolia

Lavandula latifolia, also known as broad-leaved lavender, spike lavender or Portuguese lavender, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to the western Mediterranean region, primarily in Spain, Portugal, southern France and northern Italy.

Description

Lavandula latifolia is a strongly aromatic shrub growing to 30–80 cm tall. The leaves are evergreen, 3–6 cm long and 2–4 cm broad. The flowers are pink to purple, produced on spikes 2–3 cm long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10–30 cm long.

Cultivation and uses

Lavandula latifolia is cultivated for its essential oil, used in perfumes. The essential oil contains camphor, which gives it a pungent aroma. This plant is also used in traditional medicine, especially in aromatherapy, due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ecology

Lavandula latifolia is a bee-friendly plant, providing a rich source of nectar. It is also a host plant for several species of butterflies and moths.

See also

• Lavandula angustifolia
• Lavandula stoechas
• Lavandula x intermedia

References

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External links

• The Plant List: Lavandula latifolia
• Flora Catalana: Lavandula latifolia

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