Andalucia Life Fauna and Flora, Flowers of Andalucia Southern Spain

March 2005, Pimpernel, Anagalis foemina

Pimpernel, Anagalis foemina

The Anagalis family includes the Scarlet Pimpernel, Chaffweed and the blue flowered Shrubby Pimpernel with which our flower of the month is sometimes confused. It has no common name (other than Pimpernel), which is a pity for such a pretty flower, maybe it is not that common.

The flowers are only 4 - 7 mm across and are borne on trailing stems. The leaves are opposite pairs, unstalked and narrow. The Shrubby Pimpernel has almost identical flowers but grows in a tidy mound.

This one was spotted near Los Barrios in March 2004 in low lying, fertile ground, almost hidden by the lush grass and reeds. It also grows in previously cultivated ground. Although listed as widespread in its range it is a fairly rare find.