Appearance
''Melittis melissophyllum'' reaches on average 30–50 centimetres of height, with a minimum of 20 centimetres and a maximum of 60 centimetres. It is a strongly aromatic plant with erect hairy stems.The root of this plant is a perennial short rhizome. This species is quite variable in shape of leaves and colors. The leaves reach 5–9 centimetres of length. They are oval, bluntly-toothed, quite hairy.
They have a short petiole and are in opposite pairs up the stems. The inflorescence is composed of large pedunculated hermaphrodite flowers growing in the axils of the leaves. The flowers are labiate, arranged in pairs and are one-sided. They are usually white or pale pink with a large pinkish purple blotch on the lower lip. They are mainly pollinated by bees and moths. The flowering period extends from May through August.
Distribution
It is native to central and southern Europe from the British Isles + Portugal east to Turkey + Ukraine + Baltic States.
Habitat
The plant grows in shady deciduous woods, often with oak, beech, and chestnut. It can also be found among pines and junipers. It is common at altitudes of 0–1,400 metres above sea level.References:
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