Veronica spicata subsp. spicata

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1972, Flora Europaea. Volume 3. Diapensiacea to Myoporaceae, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press : 251

(a) Subsp. spicata (inch V. hybrida L. ): Stem more or less densely pubescent, usually glandular (rarely glabrous or subglabrous). Leaves linear-lanceolate to ovate, subsessile or the lower with petioles not more than 10 mm. Calyx more or less hairy, usually glandular; corolla clear blue, with ovate-lanceolate, flat lower lobes. 2« = 34, 68. Throughout the range o f the species.

All plants from N. & N.W. Europe hitherto investigated are tetraploid , but diploid plants are known from C. & S.E. Europe. V. euxina Turrill , Jour. Bot. (London) 63: 161 (1925), described from Bulgaria, is one of these diploids; it is densely glandular-hairy, with ovate-elliptical, subsessile lower leaves. It is not yet possible to distinguish the diploid taxa satisfactorily from the widespread and variable tetraploids.

Natural hybrids between 62(a) and 59 are found occasionally in districts where both parents grow; they are particularly wellknown in the Baltic area.