Molucella laevis

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bells of Ireland
• molucca balm
• shellflower
• Bells-of-Ireland

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lamium moluccella
• Molucca laevis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Moluccella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several regions across the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Germany. Its range extends to Southwestern Europe, where it is present in both Portugal and Spain. Moving toward the east, the species is documented in the Krym region. Finally, its distribution reaches into Eastern Europe, specifically throughout South European Russia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Moluccella laevis is characterized by its preference for specific altitudinal zones and disturbed environments. This species typically thrives within an elevational range spanning from 500 m AMSL to a maximum of 1000 m AMSL. In terms of its preferred living conditions, it is commonly found colonizing ruderal sites, where it adapts to the varied conditions provided by human-disturbed or wasteland habitats.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Habitat :

ruderal sites

Life history

The life history of Moluccella laevis is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, completing its entire reproductive cycle within a single growing season. As a therophyte, it survives the unfavorable periods of its environment primarily through the production of seeds, which remain dormant until conditions become suitable for germination. This life strategy allows the species to rapidly exploit seasonal resources, growing from a seedling to a mature flowering state before the onset of senescence, ensuring the continuation of the species through the dispersal of its progeny.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Moluccella laevis is characterized by a growth form categorized as a non-woody herb and specifically a forb. As a self-supporting plant, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it grows as an independent organism rather than a parasite. The plant maintains a terrestrial habit, lacking aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, it is a relatively small species with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 1 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Moluccella laevis is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle and distinct seed production metrics. The plant's flowering period is concentrated in July, though its phenology can be variable depending on environmental conditions. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a very small and precise mass distribution. The mean seed mass is recorded at approximately 0.0067125 g, with individual seed weights ranging from a minimum of 0.0045 g to a maximum of 0.00786 g.

Flowering time :

Jul

Seed mass max:

0.00786 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0067125 g

Seed mass min:

0.0045 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Moluccella laevis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-PENTADECANONE.

2-PENTADECANONE

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Moluccella laevis has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antimicrobial.

Antifungal

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antimicrobial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)