About Sideritis candicans Aiton
Nomenclature
Sideritis candicans Aiton, also known locally as erva branca and selvageira, is a more or less white to greyish shrub that is densely covered in tomentum.
Height
It grows to between 45 and 100 centimeters in height.
Leaf Characteristics
Its leaves measure 2.5 to 12 centimeters in length and 1.5 to 7.5 centimeters in width; the lower leaves are ovate-lanceolate to ovate, with acute to obtuse tips, rounded to cordate bases, weakly crenate to nearly entire margins, and petioles.
Inflorescence Size
The plant's inflorescence can reach up to 30 centimeters in length.
Calyx Structure
Its calyx is 5 to 6.5 millimeters long, with teeth that measure 1 to 1.5 millimeters.
Corolla Characteristics
The corolla is creamy yellow, with a tube 4 to 5.5 millimeters long that is not exserted; the upper lip is 2 to 2.5 millimeters long, and the lower lip is 2.2 to 3.5 millimeters long, with a shallow notch on the middle lobe.
Nutlet Characteristics
Its nutlets are ovoid and measure 1.5 millimeters.
Flowering Period
It flowers from March to July.
Habitat Preferences
It is widespread in clearings and open sunny places, growing mostly at elevations between 600 and 1700 meters.
Endemic Range
It is endemic to the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and Bugio.
