Re: Ballota
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Re: Ballota
- From: "* T* <n*@lehmann.mobot.org>
- Date: Tue, 6 Apr 1999 09:54:26 CST6CDT
- Priority: normal
I've seen both Ballota acetabulosa and B. pseudodictamnus in Crete, where
the former is quite rare (it's commoner on the Greek mainland). Ballota
acetabulosa has larger calyces than B. pseudodictamnus -- the calyx being
those greenish, furry, funnel-shaped structures on the flowering spikes
through which the small pink flowers protrude. Those of B. acetabulosa
are about 1/2" (1.25 cm) across; those of B. pseudodictamnus about 1/4".
The latter species is a more white or gray (not gray-green) furry plant,
more branched, with smaller leaves and slenderer flowering spikes.
Apparently the Greeks used to use the calyces of B. acetabulosa as wicks
for burning olive oil: the calyx is placed pointed side up on the surface
of the oil and the tip lit. It does actually work -- just -- if you soak
the calyx in oil first to prime it! The flame is very small, and you'd
need an awful lot of them to light a room....
Nick.
