Echium trouble

Post by **MWP admin** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:50 am

I met a population of large Echium spp. which I can't decide which species it is (probably E. plantagineum)

I exclude sabulicola as it was not found in sand and as haslam says, not uniformly hairy.

The difficulty lies in the statement regarding if stamens are excerted or not. Is it a good identification point and by exserted I understand that it means protruding out of the corolla. If so, they where borderline (reaching till the margin or liitle bit out of the corolla).

It was found in rubble soil near fields by the coast of Gozo.

IL-PINE · Post by **IL-PINE** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:16 pm

should be plantagineum

Post by **MWP admin** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:05 am

Yes, I agree - the stamen(s) are slightly protruding. I hope Jackpot also agrees on this.

jackpot · Post by **jackpot** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:30 pm

ähhhhhhh....
I never would name Echiums from pics only, but if you wish, I agree

Post by **MWP admin** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 3:27 am

Its true for several other genii, but it is so tedious to carry books with me during a full day exploration.

Post by **MWP admin** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:10 pm

Yes, echiums are troublesome plants for ID. In fact this is now confirmed to be Echium sabulicola. E. plantagineum has much more protruding stamens and corolla hairs are restricted only on the veins.

Another mystery solved, next....