Moluccella laevis

Life-forms

Classification System: APG IV

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiosperms
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: Core eudicots
Cladus: Asterids
Cladus: Lamiids
Ordo: Lamiales

Familia: Lamiaceae
Subfamilia: Lamioideae
Tribus: Marrubieae
Genus: Moluccella
Species: Moluccella laevis
Name

Moluccella laevis L., Sp. Pl. 2: 587 (1753).
Synonyms

Homotypic
Molucca laevis (L.) Moench, Methodus: 404 (1794).
Lamium moluccella E.H.L.Krause in J.Sturm, Deutschl. Fl. Abbild., ed. 2, 11: 137 (1903).

References
Primary references

Linnaeus, C. 1753. Species Plantarum. Tomus II: 587. Reference page.

Links

International Plant Names Index. 2018. Moluccella laevis. Published online. Accessed: Mar. 8 2018.
USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Moluccella laevis in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Accessed: 07-Oct-06.

Vernacular names
English: Bells-of-Ireland
suomi: Kotilokukka
português: Sino-irlandês
русский: Молюцелла гладкая

Moluccella laevis, the Bells-of-Ireland, Bells of Ireland, Molucca balmis, shellflower or 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 (3.28 feet) and spread to 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) 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 is unlikely to do well in hot, humid climates.
References

Botanicas, Annuals and Perennials, Random House, Sydney, 2005