Veronica scutellata, L.

35. V. scutellata L. , Sp. Pl. 12 (1753) View Cited Treatment .

Usually glabrous, rarely pubescent. Stems up to 60 cm, ascending, weak. Leaves 15-50 x 3-7 mm, linear-oblong, entire or obscurely serrate, sessile, often reddish-brown. Racemes up to 7 cm, alternate, lax; peduncles very slender; pedicels 7-10 mm, filiform, greatly exceeding the bracts. Calyx 2 mm; segments 4, elliptical, subequal. Corolla 5-6 mm in diameter, pale pink or lilac. Capsule 4 x 5 mm, reniform. 2/i=18. Marshes and other wet places. M ost o f Europe, but rare in the Mediterranean region. All except Az BI Cr Fa Sa Sb Si. Sect, beccabunga (Hill) Dumort. Annuals or perennials of wet habitats, usually fleshy and glabrous. Flowers in opposite, axillary racemes. Calyx-segments 4. Corolla-tube wider than long. Capsule septicidal and loculicidal, dehiscing into 4 valves. Seeds not more than 0-75 mm, relatively thick, smooth, with convex back, flat chalazal face and excentric chalaza.