Twenty-two species of perennials, subshrubs and shrubs from southwestern Asia, Europe, North Africa, Canary and Cape Verde islands. They have simple leaves and globular flowerheads composed of tiny, tubular, five-lobed, two-lipped flowers.

Uses

The hardy species described make decorative rock garden and raised bed plants and the less hardy sorts are useful alpine house subjects. Ordinary well drained soil and a sunny site are required. Propagation by division or seed in spring, cuttings of non-flowering shoots in late summer in a cold frame.