Lavandula rotundifolia

Botanical Description

Lavandula rotundifolia is a prostrate to ascending evergreen perennial plant with stems that become woody near the base. The fleshy stems and leaves are around 30 - 50cm long[ 2219 Title The Genus Lavendula Publication Author Upson T. & Andrews S. Publisher Timber Press; Portland, Oregon Year 2004 ISBN 0-88192-642-6 Description Very detailed study of the genus, its species and hybrids. An excellent work, very well illustrated ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is a natural pioneer of escarpments, rocky soils etc and can be used to stabilize slopes. The plant is also grown as an ornamental. Lavandula rotundifolia has a relatively large distribution range on five islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, the population is not fragmented and the plant is present in several protected areas. However, harvesting for medicinal use and animal feed is posing a major threat for this species. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].