About Stachys recta L.
Stachys recta L. is a hemicryptophyte scapose plant. Its overwintering buds sit just below the soil surface, and its floral axis is more or less erect with a small number of leaves. On average, this plant reaches 20 to 40 centimeters (7.9 to 15.7 inches) in height. It has thick, woody roots. Its stems are strong, may be simple or branched, and covered in slightly rough glandular hairs. Leaves range from ovate-spatulate to oblong-lanceolate, with toothed edges and a long petiole. Leaves are 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2.0 inches) long and 0.5 to 2 centimeters (0.20 to 0.79 inches) wide. Flowers form a dense terminal spike, and are usually yellowish-white with purple or brown spots. The calyx is 5 to 10 millimeters long. Flowering occurs from July to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite and pollinated by insects. The fruit are achenes around 2 millimeters long; they are rounded, chestnut-brown, and either smooth or very finely punctured. This species is closely related to Stachys officinalis, and shares similar properties and characteristics. This plant is a sub-Mediterranean floral element, widespread from Europe through the Caucasus to Asia Minor. It grows in lawns, semi-dry and dry grasslands, and rocky hillsides. It prefers calcareous, moderately dry soil, and can be found at altitudes from 0 to 2,100 meters (0 to 6,890 feet) above sea level.
