Appearance
''Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum'' is a bushy plant that reaches on average 20–60 centimetres of height, with a maximum of 70 centimetres . The stem is hairy, erect and unbranched. Leaves are dark green and lanceolate to narrow elliptic, with a prominent midrib on the underside. Flowers are hermaphroditic, funnel-shaped, 15–20 millimetres long and 10–15 millimetres of diameter, clustered in a racemose inflorescence. The flowers are initially purple-reddish, changing to a deep blue. The flowering period extends from April to June. The fruits are bright white capsules, 4–5 millimetres long, with a glossy surface. They are very hard .
Naming
The Latin name of the species, , means 'purple and blue', referring to the changing colour of the flowers with the progress of flowering.
Distribution
This species is rare in British Isles, widespread in central Europe up to South Russia and in Mediterranean countries from Spain to the eastern Turkey.
Habitat
''Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum'' is typically found in dry and warm forests with sparse deciduous vegetation, in the meadows on the edge of the wood, in hedgerows and scrublands. The plants prefer calcareous soils rich in humus, at an altitude of 0–1,800 metres above sea level.References:
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