Black marrube

The fetid black marrub or ballote is a perennial plant belonging to the large family Lamiaceae. It is 90 cm high and spreads up to 80 cm, and is recognizable by its more or less persistent foliage. Stretched and branched, its stems are fibrous and quadrangular. They're leafy from top to bottom. Divided into several verticulated bouquets, black marrube flowers usually appear between May and November. Small, these flowers are noticed thanks to their delicate purple color. Moreover, the shape of the plant is reminiscent of that of the purple lamier. However, the fetid ballote is distinguished in particular by its rather unpleasant height and smell, when the leaves are ground. In addition, the fetid ballot is completely covered with hair.