Kingdom Plantae Family Boraginaceae Rank Species | Order (unplaced) Genus Lithodora | |
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Similar Lithodora rosmarinifolia, Glandora, Lithodora, Lithodora fruticosa, Lithodora prostata | ||
Lithodora oleifolia, the olive-leaved gromwell (syn. Lithospermum oleifolium), is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. The plant is native to a small rocky area near Figueras in the eastern Pyrenees, and is endemic to Spain.
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Description
Lithodora oleifolia is a lax and low evergreen sub-shrub growing to 20 cm (8 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) or more wide. It has silky dark green leaves, similar to olive (Olea europea) leaves in shape. The plant produces sky-blue 5-lobed flowers.
Lithodora oleifolia is cultivated as an ornamental plant. In gardens it prefers an alkaline soil. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit
Taxonomy
The Latin lithodora literally means "stone gift", referring to its preference for rocky places. The term oleifolia means "olive leaved", though it is not closely related to the true olives.