Medicinal and aromatic plants – industrial profiles

L. subnuda
Benth
. (Figure 2.14)
A sprawling almost leafless bush to 2 m, branching from the base. Stem indumentum variable
glabrescent or with sparse simple and branched hairs. Lower leaves ovate in outline and pinnati-
fid the upper ones becoming elliptic to rhombic and entire. Spike (1.5–)2–4(–8) cm long. Bracts
ovate with a spinescent or narrowly triangular tip, 0.3–0.6
as long as calyx (occasionally just
exceeding calyx in length). Corolla variable in colour from shades of pale to dark blue. Endemic
to Oman on rocky slopes, stony places and cliff crevices to 800 m.
21.
L. macra
Baker
A species very similar to 
L. subnuda
but usually totally leafless or with very sparse leaves, tending
to branch from nodes above the base, with several branches arising from a node giving a tufted
appearance and the leaves which when present are always pinnatifid. Stem indumentum variable
from glabrous or with simple or branched hairs. Spike 2–7 cm long elongating and becoming lax
in fruit. Bracts ovate with a sharp to long spinescent tip, 0.25–0.33(
0.6) 
 
length of calyx.
Calyx with conspicuous sessile glandular hairs between nerves. Corolla pale blue to violet. Native
to Oman, Republic of Yemen and Somalia among limestone hills and wadi beds to 1600 m.
22.
L. dhofarensis
A.G. Miller
Woody based perennial forming either dense or open straggly clumps with an indumentum 
of branched hairs throughout. Stems leafy to 40 cm. Leaves ovate to lanceolate in outline and
The taxonomy of the genus 
Lavandula 
L.
27

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pinnatifid. Spike 1.5–6 cm. Bracts ovate with spinescent tip, (0.5–)0.75–1
length of calyx.
Corolla lilac, mauve or pale purple. Two subspecies are recognised: subsp. 
ayunensis
– a plant
forming a dense clump with erect stems, the upper internodes 2–4 cm and a dense white indu-
mentum covering stem surface; subsp. 
dhofarensis
– forming a more open straggling clump, the
upper internodes (2–)4–9 cm and a sparse white indumentum not covering stem surface.
Endemic to the Dhofar region of southern Oman. The subsp. 
dhofarensis
occurs on escarpment
mountains, subsp. 
ayunensis
on the drier northern slopes of mountains.
23.
L. setifera
T. Anderson
A bushy often leafless perennial with slender wiry stems to 50 cm, 6–8 angled, glabrous or with
an indumentum of simple or branched hairs. Leaves oblong-lanceolate in outline and pinnatifid.
Spike 1.5–3 cm long. Bracts ovate or narrowly triangular narrowing gradually into a long 
bristle like tip, 1.25–1.5
length of calyx. Corolla white or pale lilac. Native to the Republic of
Yemen near Aden and Somalia, sea level to 30 m.
24.
L. nimmoi
Benth
.
A perennial usually with a woody base. Stems slender, wiry and leafy on its lower parts
30–60 cm long with an indumentum of long simple hairs becoming glabrous above. Leaves
ovate to oblong-ovate, pinnatifid to bi-pinnatisect. Spike 2–5 cm. Bracts ovate tapering 
28
Tim Upson
Figure 2.14 L. subnuda
– cultivated at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Section Subnudae.
(See Color Plate IX.)

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to a sharp tip, 0.33–0.75
length of calyx. Calyx with a distinctive indumentum of long simple
hairs and sessile glands. Corolla clear blue. Endemic to Socotra.
25.