User:Danicacorey/sandbox

Description The common name for Lavandula pedunculata is "Spanish Lavender". Sometimes known as "Butterfly Lavender", it is recognized for its butterfly-like, narrow petals that emerge from the top of its narrow stalk. It is one of 39 species of Lavandula or "Lavender". L.pedunculata originates from the Iberian Peninsula and was cultivated in the Mediterranean by 16th century herbalists. L. pedunculata is divided into five sub species: L.pedunculata subsp. pedunculata, L. pedunculata subsp. lusitanica,L. pedunculata subsp. sampaiana, L. pedunculata sunsp. cariensis, and L. pedunculata subsp. atlantica. All Subspecies are native to the Mediterranean from Spain to Turkey. However, the flowering shrub can be easily transferred and grown in places of full sunlight and well drained soil. The plant does well even in dry areas.

Taxonomy

Botany L. pedunculata is a shrub which grows long, narrow stems of green to gray coloring. The top head of the plant is wider than most varieties of Lavender, and it blooms several sterile violet colored bracts at the apex. The head of the plant is a gathering of several buds. Each bud on the flower head is comprised of the calyx and the corolla. The calyx houses the seeds of the plant and is the base which attaches to the stem. The corolla opens at the top of the calyx into petals. The petals of the L. pedunculata are very small, so the noticable feature of the plant itself are the brightly colored bracts that emerge at the top of the head. The leaves of the plant are narrow and short.

Common Uses L. pedunculata is often used for cooking as well as aromatherapy. It is widely used in teas and as an herb for flavoring. The essential oils can be extracted and used as pharmaceutical aids.