Echium plantagineum L.

Hispid annual or biennial herb to c. 90 cm high. Basal lvs to c. 15 × 3.5 cm, linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate; base attenuate and petiolate; apex obtuse; upper cauline lvs smaller, sessile, lanceolate to oblong, ± cordate at base. Infl. with 1-several branches; branches becoming spike-like or paniculate. Calyx 9–12 mm long; lobes linear-lanceolate, much < corolla tube. Corolla 20–30 mm long, funnelform, reddish in bud, becoming purplish blue or blue; upper lobes > lower; 2 stamens long-exserted, others included; filaments deep pink; anthers blue. Nutlets 2–3 mm long, angular.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: (Sep.)–Dec.–Feb.– (May)