Glandora oleifolia explained

Glandora oleifolia (Lapeyr.) D.C.Thomas,^[1] the olive-leaved gromwell (syn. Lithodora oleifolia, 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.^[2]

Description

Glandora oleifolia is a lax and low evergreen sub-shrub growing to 20cm (10inches) tall by 30cm (10inches) 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.^[3]

Cultivation

Glandora 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^{[4] [5]}

Taxonomy

Its former name in 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.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: . Glandora oleifolia (Lapeyr.) D.C.Thomas . 23 July 2023 . Plants of the World Online . Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
2. http://encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/Lithodora/oleifolia Encyclopaedia: alpine garden society
3. Book: RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. 2008. Dorling Kindersley. United Kingdom. 978-1405332965. 1136.
4. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Lithodora oleifolia . 5 March 2021.
5. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 61 . Royal Horticultural Society . 25 March 2018.
6. Book: Coombes, Allen J.. The A to Z of plant names. 2012. Timber Press. USA. 9781604691962. 312. registration.