Introduction to the purpurea (Phlomis purpurea): a jewel of the Mediterranean landscape
The matagallo (phlomis purpurea), also known as sage borda, is a woody, perennial shrub of great ornamental, ecological, and medicinal value. Native primarily to Mediterranean regions, it has established itself as a preferred choice in low-maintenance gardening and environmental restoration due to its extraordinary hardiness and versatility.
In this article you will discover all the distinctive characteristics of the matagallo, Its traditional and current uses, and Detailed growing and care tips, integrating the most relevant and reliable information from expert sources in botany, gardening and ethnobotanical uses.
Botanical description and morphology of the matagallo
El matagallo It is a perennial shrub with a woody base with a height that generally ranges between 0,6 and 1,5 meters, although in optimal conditions it can slightly exceed these dimensions. It has a highly branched appearance, with square stems usually covered in dense whitish fuzziness. Its branches have a velvety texture to the touch and provide a distinctive, soft appearance, highly appreciated in gardening.
The leaves of the matagallo are persistent, large, arranged oppositely along the stems and with a lanceolate or wedge shape. The upper surface is a velvety dark green, while the underside is lighter, almost silvery, and covered with fine hairs that give it a cottony feel. These characteristics make them easily recognizable and attractive to the eye.
La flowering This is one of the greatest attractions of this species. The flowers, which appear in clusters at terminal and axillary nodes, are pink, mauve, or purple, forming showy whorls resembling a cockscomb, giving rise to the plant's common name. Flowering occurs from mid- or late spring to mid-summer, depending on the local climate.
The following characteristics stand out:
- Ports: Shrubby and very branched, fast growing.
- Sheets: Persistent, lanceolate, velvety, dark green on the upper surface and whitish on the underside.
- Stems: Quadrangular and densely covered with hair.
- Flowers: Pink, mauve or purple, cockscomb-shaped, grouped in terminal whorls.
Taxonomy and geographical distribution
phlomis purpurea belongs to the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae), one of the most diverse plant groups in the world, which includes numerous species of ornamental, medicinal, and culinary importance. Within its genus, the matagallo stands out for its vivacity and adaptability.
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Gender: Phlomis
As to its natural distribution, is a plant endemic to the Betic-Rif region, which means it's characteristic of Andalusia and the Rif region in Morocco. It is also found naturally in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, especially in areas influenced by the Mediterranean, although it is less common to the east. It grows mainly on stony terrain, calcareous areas, and in the undergrowth of pastures and cork oak forests, up to altitudes of 1000 meters.
Habitat and ecological preferences
El matagallo thrives in dry environments, inhospitable or of low fertility, and is very frequently seen in scrublands, maquis, limestone soils and rocky slopes. It prefers low or medium altitudes and is usually associated with Mediterranean ecosystems, where drought and salinity can be common.
Its main environmental requirements are:
- Light: It perfectly tolerates exposure to full sun, although it can also grow in semi-shade.
- Temperature: It withstands high temperatures and endures light or occasional frosts without any problem.
- Humidity: It prefers dry or medium humidity environments, and is very drought tolerant.
- Salinity: It has a certain tolerance to saline environments, which makes it ideal for coastal gardens.
Ideal soils and substrates
El matagallo adapts to a wide variety of soils, but shows a marked preference for the well-drained substratesIt thrives optimally in neutral or alkaline soils, but it can also thrive in slightly acidic and highly calcareous soils. It tolerates rocky and nutrient-poor soils, provided they have efficient drainage. The plant is able to survive and thrive in situations where many other species would not.
- pH: It tolerates alkaline soils, although it can live in slightly acidic soils.
- Structure: It prefers loose, stony soils with good drainage.
- Nutrients: It tolerates poor soils and does not require frequent fertilization.
Life cycle, growth and flowering
El phlomis purpurea It is a bush of rapid growth. It maintains its leaves throughout the year, as it is evergreen, providing greenery even in the driest times of the year. It blooms in spring and can last into summer, displaying abundant flowers clustered in whorls, attracting pollinators and beautifying any space.
It does not produce fruit that is relevant from an ornamental or practical point of view, but its prolonged flowering and persistent foliage make it a plant of great aesthetic and ecological value.
Traditional and modern uses of matagallo
El matagallo It has been used by different cultures since ancient times for its physical, medicinal, and ornamental properties. Some of its most notable uses include:
- Leaves as a utensil: They have traditionally been used as scouring pads, to make wicks, and even as toilet paper.
- Tobacco and wicks: The dried leaves have been used for smoking or as a flammable material for lighting fires.
- Ornamental gardening: It is highly valued in Mediterranean gardens for its hardiness, low maintenance, and drought resistance. It is used in rockeries, dry slopes, borders, median strips, hedges, and as a single specimen.
- Environmental restoration: Its adaptability makes it ideal for reforestation and ecological restoration in degraded soils.
- Medical uses: In folk medicine, matagallo is valued for its properties astringentes, diuretics and for the relief of respiratory problems such as coughs and colds. It has also been used against kidney stones, and its flowers have been used as sweets thanks to their sweet nectar.
It is relevant to mention that currently the greatest use is the ornamental and landscaping, being a key plant in sustainable garden design and xeriscaping.
Details on matagallo care
The matagallo is an extraordinarily resistant shrub and easy to handle, making it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. Below are the most important aspects to ensure its optimal performance:
- Location and light: Prefer full sun, although it tolerates semi-shade. In dense shade it loses ornamental quality.
- Irrigation: It is very drought-tolerant. Moderate watering is recommended only during the first year of planting or during periods of extreme drought. After that, occasional watering will suffice.
- Ground: The substrate must be very well-drained. It can grow in poor, stony, and even calcareous soils, so it doesn't require fertilizers except in highly degraded soils.
- Pruning: Performing maintenance pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain a compact and vigorous shape by removing old, dry, or damaged stems.
- Fertilization: Regular fertilization is not necessary. In areas with very low fertility, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring.
- Plagues and diseases: It's a plant very insensitive to pests and diseases. It is not usually affected by common garden problems.
- Multiplication: It can be easily reproduced by stem cuttings in late summer, or from seeds sown in spring. Germination is easy if warm conditions and a well-draining substrate are provided.
Applications in sustainable gardening and restoration
El matagallo It is an essential resource in low maintenance landscaping and environmental restoration. Its resistance to heat, drought, and ability to grow in poor soils make it especially useful for:
- Arid zones and dry slopes: Controls erosion and improves local biodiversity.
- Coastal gardens: It tolerates salinity and the maritime environment, maintaining a healthy appearance.
- Rockeries and flowerbeds: Perfect for adding color and texture all year round.
- Formation of hedges and medians: Its compact size makes it ideal for creating living plant barriers.
- Recommended planting density: It is recommended to plant 3 to 4 plants per square meter to achieve good coverage.
In addition, it provides shelter and a source of nectar for numerous pollinating insects, which contributes to the health of the ecosystem.
Ecological adaptations and advantages
phlomis purpurea has developed various physiological adaptations that allow it to survive in drought conditions and poor soils:
- Hairiness on stems and leaves: Reduces perspiration and protects against extreme heat and solar radiation.
- Deep roots: They allow access to underground water sources during periods of drought.
- Persistent and leathery leaves: They maintain photosynthetic capacity throughout the year, providing constant ornamental value and protecting the soil from erosion.
Compatibility with fauna and toxicity
No toxic effects are known of the matagallo (a type of herbaceous plant) for pets, although, as a general precaution, it is recommended to supervise pets in gardens with any type of ornamental plant. In addition, its dense foliage can provide shelter for small animals and beneficial insects.
Additional tips for growing matagallo
To make the most of its qualities and facilitate its integration into gardens or natural spaces, keep in mind the following tips:
- Recommended planting period: Fall or spring, avoiding the hottest or coldest months to ensure proper rooting.
- Formation pruning: If you plant several plants together for hedges or borders, you can do light pruning during the first few years to give them the desired shape.
- Maintenance: Remove withered flowers and dead branches to encourage new growth and improve appearance.
Ethnobotanical and cultural curiosities
El matagallo It is a plant with a rich history of traditional use. In addition to the aforementioned domestic and medicinal uses, it is notable for:
- Edible sweet nectar: The flowers produce a nectar that has traditionally been consumed as a "natural treat."
- Usefulness as a diuretic: It is popularly believed to have beneficial properties for the urinary system and the prevention of kidney stones.
- Cough syrup: It has served as a basis for the development of home remedies for mild respiratory ailments.
- Use as a scouring pad or combustible material: The rough, fibrous texture of its leaves and stems allows them to be used to clean utensils or light fires.
Knowing how to harness all these virtues allows for a greater connection with the natural environment and more efficient resource management.
El Purpurea (Phlomis purpurea) It's much more than an attractive shrub: it's a symbol of adaptation and resilience, appreciated for its ornamental value, its ecological usefulness, and its traditional applications in the home and natural medicine. Incorporating it into any garden or green space represents a commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and respect for the Mediterranean environment.