Antirrhinum majus

Description

Antirrhinum majus, commonly known as the lion's yawn or dragon's mouth, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is an annual herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 30-70 cm.

Characteristics

The stem of Antirrhinum majus is branched and covered with glandular hairs at the top. The leaves are lance-shaped, with small tips, and the inflorescence is a thick brush bearing flowers on thick peduncles. The corolla is light purple or whitish in color, measuring 20-30 mm in length.

Distribution

Antirrhinum majus is native to Southern Europe, where it can be found in countries such as France, Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Croatia. It also grows in North Africa (Libya, Tunisia, Morocco) and Western Asia (Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey).

Cultivation

This plant is often grown as a decorative plant, with many varieties featuring flowers in shades of lavender, orange, pink, yellow, or white.

Taxonomy

Antirrhinum majus was first described under this taxonomic name. The diploid set of chromosomes for this species is 2n = 16.

Ecology

The plant grows up to 0.5-1 meters tall, rarely reaching 2 meters in height. It pollinates through bumblebees, which transfer pollen from one flower to another. The flowers close after pollination to prevent further access by insects.

Uses

Antirrhinum majus is often used as an ornamental plant, and its seeds are contained within a fruit that measures 10-14 mm in diameter.

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