The shrubby globularia (Globularia alypum), also known as the Alypo globe daisy, is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub known for its distinctive blue or purple pom-pom-like flowers that often bloom in winter and autumn.
Appearance: It has woody, brown stems with small, leathery, dark green oblong or narrow leaves. It forms bushes that typically grow between 30 to 80 cm (about 1 to 2.5 feet) in height. The flowers are spherical, blue or purple heads composed of many tiny tubular flowers.
Habitat: Native to the western Mediterranean region, it thrives in dry, rocky, and calcareous (alkaline) soils. It is often found in garrigue scrubland and pine forests.
Flowering Season: Unlike most Mediterranean plants that flower in spring, G. alypum is notable for flowering in the autumn and winter months, a characteristic influenced by precipitation.
Hardiness: It is resistant to harsh environments and drought-tolerant, preferring full sun exposure. It is not very cold-hardy and generally survives in USDA zones 7 through 11, requiring a minimum winter temperature around 10°C (50°F) in cooler zones.
Ecology: It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a good addition to pollinator gardens. In some areas, it is a co-dominant species in the local shrublands.
Historical/Medicinal Use: The plant is known to have purgative properties and has been used in traditional medicine.
Classification: It belongs to the genus Globularia, which is part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), a recent reclassification from its former family (Globulariaceae).
