PHLO'MIS HERBA-VENTI. 
WIND HERB. 
Class. Order. 
DIDYNAMIA . GYMNOSPERMIA. 
Natural Order. 
LABIATJE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
S. Europe. 
18 inches. 
July, Aug. 
Perennial. 
in 1596. 
No. 464. 
The word Phlomis, like very many of those hav- 
ing a Greek origin, was founded on one of the uses 
to which the plant was applicable. The woolly sur- 
face of the leaves, was employed, we are told, for 
making lamp wicks; thus, phlogmas signifying 
flame, formed the root of the term. There is, in- 
deed, a species called the lamp-wick Phlomis, a 
native of the southern parts of Europe, the entire 
leaves of which are said, from their downy surface, 
to form admirable wicks. Herba-venti, signifying 
wind herb, is retained as a specific name, from its 
having been used for this plant by Bauhin, the elder 
of the celebrated brothers of this name. Its appli- 
cation was occasioned by the leaves being some- 
times anatomized by wet weather; when, losing their 
parenchyma or, pulpy part, they become pervious 
to the wind. 
The Phlomis herba-venti is a show y free flowerer, 
and when well established, produces its flowering 
stems in abundance, and becomes very attractive. 
If planted in a light dry soil it is sure to flourish. 
It may, occasionally, be divided, although too fre- 
quent a removal should be avoided. 
Hort.Kew.2,v. 3, 417. 
