Wavyleaf mullein (Verbascum sinuatum, Sp. Pl.: 178 (1753))

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 178 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Verbascum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to W. & S. Iran

Description

The Wavyleaf mullein, scientifically known as Verbascum sinuatum, is a fascinating plant native to the Mediterranean region, extending as far as western and southern Iran. This striking species is part of the Scrophulariaceae family, boasting unique features that make it a notable member of its botanical group.

Verbascum sinuatum was first described in the seminal work Species Plantarum by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Known for its distinctive wavy leaves, this perennial herbaceous plant has adapted well to the diverse climates of its native range. The foliage, often characterized by its sinuate margins, gives the plant its common name.

Typically growing in rocky and arid environments, the Wavyleaf mullein is well-suited to withstand the Mediterranean’s dry season and Iran’s varied landscape. This adaptability makes it a resilient plant, often thriving where other vegetation might struggle.

The plant displays a rosette of basal leaves from which arises a tall, erect flowering stalk. This stalk bears numerous small, yellow flowers, arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The flowers, while individually modest, collectively present a bright and attractive display that can draw the attention of passersby as well as pollinators.

Verbascum sinuatum holds not only botanical interest but also reflects the intricate relationship between flora and their habitats. Its presence across a broad geographic range underscores the versatility and ecological significance of species within the Scrophulariaceae family. The plant’s resilience and adaptability make it an excellent subject of study for botanists and horticulturists alike, who are interested in Mediterranean and arid-region flora.

Common Names

Deu: buchten-königskerze, gebuchtete königskerze, gewelltblättrige königskerze, gewellte königskerze
Eng: wavyleaf mullein
En: Wavyleaf mullein, Black-leaved mullein, Wavy-leaved Mullein
Ar: خرمه (خِرمه)،خرمعه (خُرمَعَه), عورور (عَوْرور)، خرمه (خَرْمَه), بوصير مموج
Ca: Trepó femella, Trepó ploraner
Fr: Molène à feuilles sinuées, Molène sinuée
De: Gebuchtete Königskerze, Buchten-Königskerze, Gewelltblättrige Königskerze, Gewellte Königskerze
He: בוצין מפורץ
It: Verbasco sinuoso
Pt: Verbasco-ondeado
Es: Alcigutre, Gordolobo

Synonyms

• Verbascum sinuatum var. arnaizii (Sennen)
• Verbascum sinuatum var. pallidiflorum (Pau)
• Thapsus sinuatum ((L.) Raf.)
• Lychnitis sinuata ((L.) Fourr.)
• Verbascum sinuatum var. subulatum (Rouy)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 27, 2021 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2019 by Eva Virago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2018 by Paco Yepes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2017 by Thomas Michel (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Raffaella D’Ambra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2021 by leroul nouredine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Servet Acuz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Lars Mannzen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by Emir Hedda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrice GIRAUDEAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by -Minute man- (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2021 by r. Unter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Geli Ada (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2020 by Fayçal Bakrim (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171946)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:770135-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Verbascum sinuatum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 8