Melittis
(from melitta, another form of the Greek melissa, a bee, to which insect the plant was considered specially grateful). Bastard Balm. ORD. Labiatae. A monotypic genus, the species being a very handsome, hardy, native perennial. It thrives almost anywhere, and in any soil; but, in a slightly-shaded spot, and in well-enriched loam, the result will amply repay the trouble taken. The plant is most distinct in character, and should be grown extensively on the margins of shrubberies, and in herbaceous borders generally. Propagated by dividing the plants after flowering. M. Melissophyllum (Balm-leaved).* fl. cream-white, spotted pink or purple; corolla 1 1/2in. to 2in. long; whorls about six-flowered, axillary. May. l. on short petioles, 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, ovate, crenated, cordate at the base, opposite, slightly hairy. Stems erect, simple, more or less hairy. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. Europe (Britain). (Sy. En. B. 1062.) The variety known as grandiflora differs in having the corolla cream-coloured, with the middle of the lower lip purplish-red. (Sy. En. B. 1063.)