FIGVVORT FAMILY 369 



hairs along its branches ; leaves slightly stalked, ovate-cordate, 

 crenate ; flowers inconspicuous, pale blue, many, but almost 

 concealed among the crowded upper leaves or bracts. — Walls and 

 dry places ; abundant. — Fl. April — October. Annual. 



8. V. serpyllijSlia (Thyme-leaved Speedwell). — A small plant, 

 with prostrate or slightly ascending, downy stems; ovate or 

 elliptic, slightly crenate, blunt, rather leathery leaves ; and several 

 many-flowered racemes of very light blue flowers, \ in. across, 

 striped with dark blue veins ; capsules inversely heart-shaped, 



ver6nica cham^drvs (Germander Speedwell), v. officinalis (Common Speedwell), 

 v. scutbllAta (Marsh Speedwell), and v. beccabunga (Brooklime). 



with a long, persistent style. — Waste ground; common. — Fl. 

 May — July. Perennial. 



9. V. alpina (Alpine Speedwell), differing from the last in being 

 more erect, with larger leaves ; fewer, more crowded, darker blue 

 flowers, and a very short persistent style ; occurs only on Highland 

 Scottish mountains. — Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



10. V. jriilicans (Blue Rock Speedwell). — Nearly glabrous ; 

 stem much branched, woody ; leaves leathery : flowers few, \ in. 

 across, brilliant blue, very handsome, on stiff, sub-corymbose 

 stalks ; capsules ovate. — Lofty Scottish mountains ; rare. — Fl. 

 July — September. Perennial. 



