LABIATE TKIBE. 



503 



SCUTEJLLARIA MAJOR (Greater Skull-cap). 



flowers in pairs, axillary. Banks of rivers and ponds, 

 frequent. A handsome plant, 12 18 inches high, 

 with rather large, bright blue flowers, the tube of which 

 is much longer than the calyx. Soon after the corolla 

 has fallen off, the upper lip of the calyx closes on the 

 lower, and gives it the appearance of a capsule with a 

 lid , when the seed is ripe it opens again. FL July 

 September. Perennial. 



* S. minor (Lesser Skull-Cap) is a small bushy herb, 

 4 6 inches high, with egg-shaped leaves, of which* the 

 lower ones are often toothed at the base ; the flowers 

 are small, of a dull purple colour ; the calyx is the. same 

 as in the last. It grows in bogs, but is not common, 

 except in the West of England. 



