Undulate alkanet (Anchusa undulata, Sp. Pl.: 133 (1753))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 133 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anchusa

Vegetable: False

Observations: Iberian Pen. to Baleares, NW. Greece

Description

Undulate alkanet is a captivating flowering plant that captivates with its richly hued blooms and undulating foliage. With a scientific name of Anchusa undulata, this species is a member of the Boraginaceae family, known for its diverse and often striking members.

Native to the Iberian Peninsula and extending to the Balearic Islands and northwestern Greece, Undulate alkanet thrives in these Mediterranean regions. Its natural habitat suggests a preference for well-drained, rocky soils and sunny locations, where it can often be seen adding splashes of vibrant blue to the landscape.

The plant itself is notable for its distinct, wavy-edged leaves, which give the species its common name. These undulating leaves not only provide visual interest but also serve as a key identifying feature. When in bloom, Anchusa undulata produces clusters of small, tubular flowers, typically in shades of deep blue or purple. These flowers are not only beautiful but also serve as a magnet for pollinators, making the plant an important component of its native ecosystems.

First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” Undulate alkanet has since been the subject of various botanical studies, illustrating its enduring appeal and ecological significance.

Whether viewed in a wild meadow or cultivated garden, Undulate alkanet offers both aesthetic beauty and ecological benefits, contributing to the biodiversity and visual richness of the environments it inhabits.

Common Names

Fra: buglosse hybride
Eng: undulate alkanet
Swe: vågbladig oxtunga
Deu: welligblättrige ochsenzunge
En: Undulate alkanet
Ar: كحله (كَحْله), كحلى (كَحلى), كحلى (كَحَلى), كحليه (كَحْليه), كحيله (كَحيله)
Fi: Poimurasti
Fr: Buglosse hybride, Buglosse ondulée
De: Welligblättrige Ochsenzunge
He: לשון-פר מצויה
It: Buglossa undulata
Sv: Vågbladig oxtunga

Synonyms

Distribution

• Baleares (native)
• Greece (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by fabricekx (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2021 by Manuél (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 4, 2020 by Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 19, 2020 by altin oruci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2022 by Jennifer Carre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2020 by Rafael Barrios (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 9, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Roberto Dessì (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2018 by Roberta Salvi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2021 by Manuél (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 2, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:113388-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7295330)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anchusa undulata L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6